Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions

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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

The warning came as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines

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

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.

The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.

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

American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.

Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."