Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport image source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Suspend Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
