Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela 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 Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."
