Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences

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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.

Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert

Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

The warning came as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.

The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.

Leadership Conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.

In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.

Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."