Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Airlines Halt Services Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.
The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid increased US military presence in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
