Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: 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.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
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 situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
