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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.

Carriers Suspend Services Following American Alert

Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.

This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• South American airline: Gol Airlines
• Chilean company: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines

"Rescinding airlines' clearance would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

The FAA advisory specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, referencing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.

Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would harm the country.

The association emphasized that member airlines had only briefly halted operations and remained committed to restoring services when conditions improve.

Escalating Conflict

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid increased US military presence 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.

Political Standoff

National leader Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US 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, referencing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, suggesting that "eventually, I will speak with him."