The Venezuelan government Issues Ultimatum to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their operating licenses.
Carriers Halt Operations Following US Warning
Multiple international carriers halted their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by deploying military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- South American airline: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the global aviation body.
Safety Issues
American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and heightened defense activities.
Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.
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 member airlines 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.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since early September.
Leadership Conflict
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."
