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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.

Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the American FAA raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.

This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by sending military assets to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.

Impacted Carriers

• Spanish airlines: Iberia
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.

Industry Response

Industry groups have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.

Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.

Growing Tensions

US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.

Recent military actions have included numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and American deployment, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.

In recent statements, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."