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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to global carriers, demanding they resume flights to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Airlines Suspend Operations Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about increased military activity in the region.

This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what sources indicate as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

• Spanish airlines: Iberia
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Andean carrier: Avianca
• European airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Middle Eastern airline: Turkish Airlines

"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about flying near Caracas airport, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.

Venezuela's main international hub, which serves Caracas, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Industry Response

Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further loss of air links would damage Venezuela's interests.

Industry representatives stressed that member airlines had only temporarily suspended operations and remained committed to restoring services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

Bilateral tensions have deteriorated amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to combat drug trafficking.

Recent military actions have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in regional seas since the beginning of fall.

Leadership Conflict

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 declared that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

The United States has consistently labeled Maduro as an illegitimate leader, referencing disputed re-election that global monitors deemed flawed.

Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump has left open the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."