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The Venezuelan authorities have issued a stern warning to global carriers, requiring they restart operations to the country within 48 hours or face revocation of their flight clearances.

Airlines Halt Operations Following US Warning

Multiple international carriers suspended their Venezuelan operations after the American FAA raised concerns about heightened security risks in the region.

This alert followed as the United States escalated pressure by deploying military assets to the Caribbean region, including what reports describe as significant military presence.

Affected Airlines

• Spanish airlines: Air Europa
• Brazilian carrier: Gol Airlines
• Latin American operator: Latam Airlines
• Colombian airline: Avianca
• Portuguese operator: TAP Air Portugal
• Turkish carrier: Turkish Airlines

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

Security Concerns

The FAA advisory specifically mentioned concerns about operating in the Maiquetía region, citing worsening safety situation and increased military movements.

Venezuela's main international hub, which handles capital city flights, has seen dramatically decreased global connectivity despite certain carriers maintaining services.

Industry Response

Aviation organizations have urged Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the deadline, warning that further loss of air links would harm the country.

Industry representatives stressed that participating carriers had only briefly halted operations and remained dedicated to reinstating services when situation stabilizes.

Growing Tensions

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

Naval operations have included multiple strikes against alleged narcotics shipments in Caribbean waters since early September.

Leadership Conflict

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has strongly condemned both the naval actions and American deployment, accusing Washington of attempting to overthrow him.

In public comments, Maduro asserted that "Nobody can overcome Venezuela, we are invincible."

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

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