Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Aviation photo source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines 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 deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
