Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Airlines Suspend Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."
