Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
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 multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing 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, we will talk with him."