Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the MaiquetÃa region, referencing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
MaiquetÃa airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
