Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
