Venezuela Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Risk Sanctions
Airport photo source
Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
The warning came as the US government increased tensions by sending naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: 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.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite some airlines continuing operations.
Aviation Reaction
Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included numerous interventions against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that international observers deemed flawed.
Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
