The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
Airport photo credit
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."
