The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences

Aviation photo source

Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Carriers Suspend Operations Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Industry Response

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

Industry representatives stressed 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.

Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since early September.

Leadership Conflict

National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."