Venezuela Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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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 face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
