The Venezuelan government Delivers Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Operations Following American Alert
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 US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Iberia
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.
Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments 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 early September.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "Nobody can overcome 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, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
