Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Restore Services or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
