Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions

Aviation photo source

The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended 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 escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.

Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.

Aviation Reaction

Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, 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 committed to restoring services when conditions improve.

Escalating Conflict

US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.

Political Standoff

National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.

In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."