Venezuela has issued a stern ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face the revocation of their operational permits. This directive comes in the wake of a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory warning of increased military activity in the region, prompting several airlines to suspend their services to Venezuela. Among the affected carriers are Spain’s Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra, Brazil’s Gol, Chile’s Latam, Colombia’s Avianca, Portugal’s TAP, and Turkish Airlines. The FAA’s advisory specifically highlighted the deteriorating security situation around Maiquetía, the site of Venezuela’s primary international airport serving Caracas. While some airlines like Panama’s Copa and Venezuela’s state-owned Conviasa continue operations, the suspensions have significantly reduced international flight traffic. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has urged Venezuela’s aviation authority, Inac, to reconsider the deadline, emphasizing that such measures would further isolate the country, already one of the least connected in the region. Iata also noted that its member airlines remain committed to resuming operations once conditions permit. The escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela are rooted in the US’s increased military presence in the southern Caribbean, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking. Since September, the US Navy has conducted at least 21 strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, primarily in the Caribbean but also in the Pacific. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently criticized these actions, accusing the US of attempting to overthrow his government. In a defiant statement during his TV show, Maduro asserted that the US would not succeed in defeating Venezuela. The US, however, regards Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing his widely disputed 2024 re-election. Despite these tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out direct dialogue with Maduro, hinting at potential future discussions.