A plane previously used to transport Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro flew to the Brazil border, according to flight tracking data. The aircraft, operated by state airline Conviasa, landed near the dividing line before returning to Caracas. There is no evidence Maduro was on board, amid regional tensions and U.S. warnings.
On Saturday, CNN Brasil reported that an Airbus A-319 with registration YV2984, described as a 'government VIP plane' and operated by Conviasa, departed from Caracas toward the border with the Brazilian state of Roraima. The ADSB Exchange platform, which tracks global flights, recorded the route: the aircraft landed at Santa Elena de Uairén Airport, about 10 km from the border in Paracaima municipality, equivalent to just over 12 minutes of travel. It then returned to the vicinity of Caracas.
This is the same plane Maduro used for his visit to Brasilia in May 2023, though it is not the only government aircraft for his trips. So far, there is no evidence the leader was on board this flight. CNN Brasil international analyst Lourival Sant’Anna contacted military and civilian sources, confirming Maduro has not communicated with Brazilian authorities. The Brazilian Army Command on the border assured there is no information indicating a possible escape by the Venezuelan president.
The flight takes place amid growing U.S. military pressure in the Caribbean. Other Conviasa aircraft have been sanctioned by Washington, and President Donald Trump announced on Saturday via Truth Social: “To all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers and human traffickers, consider the TOTAL CLOSURE OF AIRSPACE OVER AND AROUND VENEZUELA.” This could complicate Venezuelan air operations, including potential escape attempts or diplomatic movements.