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Venezuela has delivered a stern warning to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.

Carriers Halt Operations Following American Alert

Multiple international carriers suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US aviation regulator issued a warning about heightened security risks in the region.

This alert followed as the US government escalated pressure by sending military assets to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as enhanced naval deployment.

Affected Airlines

• Carriers from Spain: Air Europa
• South American airline: 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 increase Venezuela's isolation," cautioned the International Air Transport Association.

Safety Issues

American aviation warning 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 international traffic despite certain carriers continuing operations.

Industry Response

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

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

Escalating Conflict

US-Venezuela relations have worsened amid American naval deployments in the region, which US officials state aims to fight narcotics trade.

Naval operations have included multiple strikes against suspected drug vessels in regional seas since early September.

Leadership Conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and broader US presence, alleging the US of attempting to overthrow him.

In recent statements, Maduro declared that "They will not defeat Venezuela, our strength is unmatched."

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing disputed re-election that global monitors considered irregular.

Amid conflicts, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option for dialogue with Maduro, suggesting that "at some point, I will speak with him."