Dhaka, Nov. 29 -- Venezuela has banned six major international airlines from landing in the country after they failed to meet a 48-hour deadline to resume flights to the capital, Caracas.

The carriers had temporarily suspended services following a U.S. warning of "increased military activity" in the area.

The Venezuelan government had set an ultimatum that expired on Wednesday ((Nov 26).

While several smaller airlines continue to operate flights to the country, thousands of passengers have been affected.

The US has deployed a large force in waters near Venezuela, which it says is to combat drug trafficking, but which Venezuela's leader has denounced as an attempt to overthrow him.

Venezuela's civil aviation authority said on Wednesda...