Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they restart operations 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 Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated 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 regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
