The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: 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 mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
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 suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
