Nov 24 (Reuters) -

Venezuela's aviation institute told international airlines

on Monday that they must resume flights to the country within 48

hours or risk losing their clearance to fly there, the

International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.

Several international airlines have canceled their flights

departing from Venezuela in recent days after the U.S. Federal

Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a "potentially

hazardous situation" when flying over the country.

IATA, which represents roughly 350 airlines, criticized the

move by Venezuelan authorities, warning that the decision "will

further reduce connectivity to the country, which is already one

of the least-connected in the region."

Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately

respond to a request for comment. Reuters was not immediately

able to contact the national aviation institute for comment.

Earlier on Monday, Spanish carrier Air Europa said it was

suspending its five weekly flights between Madrid and Caracas

"until conditions allow" for their resumption. Airline Plus

Ultra also suspended the same route, Spanish media reported.

Over the weekend, IAG's Spanish carrier Iberia said it

was suspending its Venezuelan flights as well, joining other

airlines such as Brazil's Gol, Colombia's Avianca

and TAP Air Portugal.

An Iberia spokesperson said on Monday the suspension would last

until at least December 1, while Gol said its Tuesday and

Wednesday flights to Caracas were canceled. Turkish Airlines

canceled flights through Friday.

Last Friday, the U.S. FAA warned about the "worsening security

situation and heightened military activity in or around

Venezuela" and said threats could pose risks for aircraft at all

altitudes.

There has been a massive American military buildup in the

region in recent months, including the U.S. Navy's largest

aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships and F-35

aircraft.