The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
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 regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
