Airport image source
The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.
Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert
Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.
This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.
Affected Airlines
- Spanish airlines: Plus Ultra
- Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
- Chilean company: Latam Airlines
- Colombian airline: Avianca
- European airline: TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines
"Revoking flight permissions would only increase Venezuela's isolation," warned 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.
Maiquetía airport, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.
Aviation Reaction
Industry groups have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.
The association emphasized that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when conditions improve.
Growing Tensions
Bilateral tensions have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which Washington claims aims to combat drug trafficking.
Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.
Leadership Conflict
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, alleging the US of seeking regime change.
In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."
American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors deemed flawed.
Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."
