In a dramatic escalation of geopolitical tensions, the Venezuelan government has abruptly revoked the operating rights of six major international airlines, effectively severing critical air links and accusing the carriers of participating in "state terrorism" orchestrated by the United States. The move, announced Wednesday by Venezuela's civil aviation authority, targets Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines, banning them from the primary international gateway at Maiquetía airport serving Caracas. The decision followed a 48-hour ultimatum for the airlines to resume flights, which they had suspended after a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning last Friday cited a "worsening security situation and heightened military activity." The Venezuelan authority condemned the carriers for "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government," framing their caution as a politically motivated act. This aviation crisis is inextricably linked to a significant U.S. military deployment to the region, described as the largest since the 1989 invasion of Panama. The force, which includes the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and 15,000 troops, has conducted over 21 strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. While Washington maintains its operations are solely counter-narcotics initiatives, analysts note the deployment's unusual scale, suggesting broader strategic objectives. International reaction has been swift and critical. Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Paulo Rangel, denounced the ban as "totally disproportionate," clarifying that TAP Portugal’s suspension was purely a safety-based decision. The affected airlines expressed a desire to normalize operations, with Iberia stating it wished to restart "as soon as full safety conditions were met." Attempts by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) to mediate proved futile. The confrontation unfolds against a backdrop of protracted hostility, with the U.S. and numerous other nations rejecting President Nicolás Maduro's 2019 re-election as illegitimate. Rhetoric from both sides remains volatile. President Donald Trump has offered ambiguous overtures, stating he "might talk" to Maduro but warning, "we can do things the easy way... or the hard way." Meanwhile, Maduro has disseminated videos portraying a tranquil Caracas, countering the FAA's security assessment. For now, travel is still possible via a handful of other carriers, including Air Europa and Copa Airlines. However, the weaponization of aviation policy marks a dangerous new phase in the standoff, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and the prospect of further escalation or an unexpected diplomatic breakthrough hanging in the balance.