Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Iberia
- 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 International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning 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 worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
