The Venezuelan government Delivers Final Warning to Global Carriers: Resume Flights or Face Consequences

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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a firm ultimatum to global carriers, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their operating licenses.

Carriers Suspend Operations Following American Alert

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

The warning came as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, referencing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.

Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.

Industry Response

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

Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.

Escalating Conflict

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in Caribbean waters since the beginning of fall.

Political Standoff

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the military strikes and American deployment, accusing Washington 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 disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."