The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions

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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.

Airlines Suspend 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.

The warning came as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.

Affected Airlines

• Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.

Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.

Aviation Reaction

Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.

Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted 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 US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.

Leadership Conflict

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

In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."

The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers considered irregular.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, we will talk with him."