Venezuela Bans Six Major Airlines as Standoff with US Intensifies

The Venezuelan government has banned six major international airlines. The carriers failed to meet a 48-hour deadline to resume flights.

Authorities have officially prohibited them from landing in the country. This ban escalates an already volatile situation.

Currently, a massive US military force is deployed off the coast. Consequently, thousands of passengers remain stranded. The country’s isolation continues to deepen.

A “State Terrorism” Accusation

The conflict began when several airlines suspended routes to Caracas. They acted after the United States issued a warning. The US alerted carriers to “heightened military activity” in the region.

In response, Venezuela’s civil aviation authority punished the airlines. On Wednesday, officials announced that Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines lost their landing rights.

The government framed the suspensions as a political act. Officials accused the airlines of “joining the actions of state terrorism.” They claim the carriers unilaterally cut off commercial air links to support the United States.

US Military Buildup

The aviation crisis reflects rising tensions in the Caribbean. The US has deployed a formidable force near Venezuela. This includes 15,000 troops and the USS Gerald Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier.

Washington describes the mission as a counter-narcotics operation. It is the largest in the region since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

US forces have conducted over 20 strikes on suspected drug vessels. These operations have resulted in more than 80 deaths.

However, many observers question the scale of the deployment. They note it is unusually large for anti-drug operations. The Venezuelan government views the naval presence as a prelude to invasion. They believe the US aims to topple President Nicolás Maduro.

Safety Warning Triggered Suspension

The airlines halted flights due to safety concerns. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an advisory on Friday.

The warning urged pilots to exercise extreme caution near Maiquetía International Airport. It cited a worsening security environment.

Aviation industry bodies attempted to mediate. They assured Caracas that airlines wanted to return. Despite this, the Venezuelan government refused to extend its ultimatum.

Mixed Diplomatic Signals

Amid the military tension, diplomatic signals remain mixed. President Donald Trump indicated he “might talk” to Maduro. However, he warned that the US is prepared to do things “the hard way.”

Conversely, President Maduro is projecting stability. He released a video of himself driving through Caracas. He pointed out Christmas decorations, insisting that daily life continues uninterrupted.