The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
MaiquetÃa airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."