Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo credit
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: 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 deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President 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."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
