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

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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.

Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers halted their flights to Venezuela 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 military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Spanish airlines: Air Europa
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite some airlines continuing operations.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.

The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended 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 combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.

Leadership Conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of seeking regime change.

In public comments, Maduro asserted that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."

The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."