The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions

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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.

Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning

Several major airlines halted 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 Caribbean region, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Iberia
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.

Safety Issues

American aviation warning 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.

Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.

In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."