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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country in the next two days or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.

This alert followed as the US government increased tensions by deploying naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Impacted Carriers

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

"Revoking flight permissions would only isolate the country further," cautioned the global aviation body.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing deteriorating security conditions and increased military movements.

Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen significantly reduced global connectivity despite some airlines maintaining services.

Aviation Reaction

Aviation organizations have requested Venezuelan authorities to remove the ultimatum, cautioning that further reduction in connectivity would damage Venezuela's interests.

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

Escalating Conflict

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 numerous interventions against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since the beginning of fall.

Leadership Conflict

National leader Nicolás Maduro has vehemently denounced 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, our strength is unmatched."

American officials has consistently labeled Maduro as an undemocratic ruler, referencing controversial 2024 elections that global monitors considered irregular.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, we will talk with him."