Get ready for some high-flying drama from Venezuela! The South American country has blocked six major international airlines from landing after they missed a strict 48-hour deadline to restart flights to Caracas. What's cooking? These airlines paused flights after the US shouted 'danger!' about increased military moves near Venezuela's coast. The Venezuelan government didn’t like this one bit. They gave these big airlines an ultimatum: fly or face the music. The deadline passed this Wednesday, and bam! Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines lost their rights to take off and land immediately. Venezuela's civil aviation authority, which works under their transport ministry, accused the airlines of "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations." Strong words thrown straight from Caracas! Meanwhile, the US is playing a bold card by sending 15,000 troops and the massive aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford close to Venezuelan shores. The official story? To fight drug trafficking. They've even hit drug boats 21 times, killing over 80 people—but have yet to show proof these boats were loaded with drugs. Many see this huge military move as more than a drug war – some say it aims to topple President Nicolás Maduro, who faces strong opposition calls claiming his last election was rigged. With tensions buzzing, the US Federal Aviation Authority warned airlines on Friday to be extra careful flying around Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas because of the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity." This warning caused airlines to pause flights, but a quick peacemaking effort by the aviation group IATA couldn’t calm the storm. Back in Caracas, Maduro tried to show life is normal by posting a video driving through the city’s Christmas-decorated streets. US President Donald Trump also chimed in, saying he "might talk" to Maduro but warned, "we can do things the easy way, that’s fine, and if we have to do it the hard way that’s fine, too." Could talks bring peace, or is a showdown brewing? The skies—and politics—over Venezuela remain stormy.