CARACAS: Carriers that suspended flights to Venezuela because of the US military buildup in Latin America have 48 hours to resume them or lose their landing rights, a transport ministry source said Tuesday. The government met with airline officials Monday and delivered the ultimatum, the source said. At least seven airlines suspended flights over the weekend, citing a warning from US regulators of increased military activity because of the deployment, which has sparked fears of US intervention in Venezuela.

Flight suspensions come after US regulator warned planes of security risk in the airspace in and around Venezuela.

The flight cancellations come as the U.S. military has expanded its buildup in the region.