Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions

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

Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert

Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.

The warning came as the US government increased tensions by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

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

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," 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 dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Aviation Reaction

Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.

Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Escalating Conflict

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence 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.

Leadership Conflict

National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "eventually, we will talk with him."