Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Airport image source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
