Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences

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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.

Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.

Security Concerns

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 serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Aviation Reaction

Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.

Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.

Escalating Conflict

US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."

The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."