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Venezuela has delivered a firm ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their flight clearances.

Carriers Halt Services Following US Warning

Several major airlines suspended their Venezuelan operations after the US aviation regulator raised concerns about increased military activity in the region.

This alert followed as the United States increased tensions by sending naval forces to the southern Caribbean, including what sources indicate as enhanced naval deployment.

Impacted Carriers

• Carriers from Spain: Iberia
• Brazilian carrier: 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," warned the International Air Transport Association.

Security Concerns

American aviation warning specifically highlighted concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and heightened defense activities.

Maiquetía airport, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers continuing operations.

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 briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

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

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

Political Standoff

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

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

American officials has repeatedly characterized Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing controversial 2024 elections that international observers deemed flawed.

Despite tensions, American leader Donald Trump has left open the possibility of direct talks with Maduro, indicating that "at some point, I will speak with him."