Venezuela Issues Final Warning to International Airlines: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Aviation photo credit
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the global aviation body.
Security Concerns
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."
