The Venezuelan government Issues Final Warning to Global Carriers: Restore Services or Face Consequences
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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or risk losing their flight clearances.
Airlines Halt Services Following US Warning
Several major airlines halted their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by deploying naval forces to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.
Impacted Carriers
- Spanish airlines: Air Europa
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Andean carrier: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.
Safety Issues
The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing deteriorating security conditions 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
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.
The association emphasized that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.
Escalating Conflict
US-Venezuela relations have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to fight narcotics trade.
Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.
Political Standoff
National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."
The United States has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."