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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, requiring they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their operating licenses.

Carriers Halt 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 escalated pressure by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Plus Ultra
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," warned the global aviation body.

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 handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced international traffic despite some airlines maintaining services.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, warning that further reduction in connectivity would harm the country.

The association emphasized that participating carriers 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 US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.

Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.

Leadership Conflict

National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced both the military strikes and broader US presence, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In public comments, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, we are invincible."

American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, citing disputed re-election that international observers considered irregular.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."