Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Risk Sanctions

Airport photo credit

The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their operating licenses.

Airlines Suspend Services Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.

The warning came as the United States increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.

Security Concerns

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

Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.

Industry Response

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 dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Escalating Conflict

US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

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 international observers considered irregular.

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