Venezuela Delivers Final Warning to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions

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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.

Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

The warning came as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• 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 isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.

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

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.

The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US 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 undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.

Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, I will speak with him."