Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Airport image source
Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- 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 mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
