Venezuela has revoked operating permits for six international airlines after they suspended flights following a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warning.
The civil aviation authority announced the decision late Wednesday, affecting Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol.
This action further isolates the country amid ongoing disputes with the United States.
Caracas accused the carriers of joining "actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States" by unilaterally halting operations.
The FAA had alerted airlines to a potentially hazardous situation due to worsening security and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela.
Venezuela rejected the FAA's jurisdiction over its airspace.
The U.S. has deployed forces to the Caribbean, including 15,000 troops and the USS Gerald Ford, describing the mission as combating drug trafficking linked to President Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro denies the allegations and claims the deployment aims to oust him.
U.S. forces have conducted strikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs, resulting in over 80 deaths, though evidence of narcotics has not been provided.
Analysts note the deployment's scale is unusually large for a counter-narcotics operation.
Both Maduro and U.S. President Donald Trump have indicated openness to direct talks, with Trump stating options for resolution could be easy or hard.
Maduro shared a video driving in Caracas, highlighting Christmas decorations to portray normalcy.
The International Air Transport Association noted Venezuelan authorities issued a 48-hour deadline for airlines to resume flights or face revocation.
Several airlines ignored the ultimatum and canceled flights.
Iberia expressed desire to restart services once full safety conditions are met.
Avianca plans to reschedule flights to Caracas for December 5 but declined comment on the restrictions.
Portugal's Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel described the revocation as "totally disproportionate" and said efforts were made through the embassy to reinstate rights.
Air Europa and Plus Ultra suspended flights but retained permits.
Copa and its Wingo unit, along with domestic carriers to Colombia, Panama, and Curacao, continue operations.
Countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Spain, home to affected airlines, host large Venezuelan populations.
Thousands of passengers have been impacted by the disruptions.