Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions

Airport photo source

Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.

Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.

The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
• Brazilian carrier: 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," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Industry Response

Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.

The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.

Escalating Conflict

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.

Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.

Leadership Conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.

In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."

The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."