The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers halted 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 sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate 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 increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Industry Response
Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Escalating Conflict
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 alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."
