Venezuelan government has revoked the operating permits of six foreign airlines— Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol—after the carriers failed to resume flights to Caracas within the 48-hour deadline set by President Nicolás Maduro’s administration.

The measure, announced Wednesday, came after the airlines suspended their routes in response to a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory warning of alleged “risks” in Venezuelan airspace. Caracas denounced the move as yet another attempt by Washington to exert pressure on sovereign nations and disrupt normal international operations.

Cabello: “We Keep Our Dignity”

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello addressed the situation with clarity, stressing that Venezuela alone decides which companies may operate in its skies.

“The national government, in a sovereign decision, told the companies: if you do not resume flights in 48 hours, do not resume them any more. You keep your planes and we will keep our dignity,” Cabello declared, underscoring the administration’s stance against foreign intimidation and unilateral decisions by foreign regulators.

He reiterated that Venezuela reserves the right of admission and will not allow foreign entities to dictate conditions within its airspace.

Flights Continue With Regional and National Airlines

Despite the sanctions against the six companies, several airlines continue to operate normally in Venezuela. These include Copa Airlines, Wingo, Boliviana de Aviación, Satena, and the Venezuelan carriers Avior and Conviasa, ensuring continued connectivity and air services for passengers.

U.S. Military Escalation in the Caribbean

The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of growing U.S. military activity in the region. Washington currently maintains an unprecedented deployment in the Caribbean under Operation Southern Spear, launched in November under the pretext of combating drug trafficking.

This week, the U.S. Air Force publicly confirmed that B-52H bombers carried out strike demonstrations in Caribbean waters, adding to regional tensions and raising alarms about the motivations behind the buildup.

Two Dominican Republic airports—San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport—have also been designated to support U.S. anti-drug operations, further signaling the expansion of U.S. military presence near Venezuelan territory.

Venezuelan Leadership Calls for Calm and Dialogue

Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez urged restraint and vigilance amid foreign provocations.

“The way forward is not to send ships or make military threats,” she said, emphasizing Venezuela’s commitment to peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Tarek William Saab welcomed the possibility of direct dialogue between President Maduro and U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently claimed his outreach aims to “save many lives.” Venezuelan officials have repeatedly signaled readiness for honorable and mutually respectful dialogue that prioritizes regional peace.

 Sovereign Decision in Defense of National Dignity

The decision to revoke the airlines’ permits highlights Venezuela’s determination to defend its sovereignty and to resist what officials describe as coercive measures aimed at destabilizing the country’s aviation sector and broader economy.

Caracas maintains that no foreign power has the authority to dictate operations in Venezuelan airspace and that all decisions will continue to be guided by national dignity and independence. (ILKHA)