Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- 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.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
