Venezuela Issues Ultimatum to International Airlines: Restore Services 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 within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.
Impacted Carriers
- Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.
Security Concerns
American aviation warning specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased international traffic despite certain carriers maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated 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 the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Amid conflicts, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, we will talk with him."
