Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the MaiquetĂa region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
MaiquetĂa airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
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, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
