The Venezuelan government revoked operating concessions for several international airlines, including Avianca and Latam Airlines Colombia, after they suspended flights due to US safety alerts. The move impacts over 8,000 passengers and is blamed on 'state terrorism' actions promoted by Washington. Some airlines continue operations, but air connectivity to the country is significantly reduced.
Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (Inac) announced on Wednesday night, via its Instagram account and Official Gazette No. 43264, the revocation of operating concessions in the country for six airlines: Colombian Avianca and Latam Airlines Colombia, Spanish Iberia, Portuguese TAP, Turkish Airlines, and Brazilian Gol Linhas Aéreas.
The decision followed the companies' failure to resume flights within the 48-hour deadline demanded by Venezuelan authorities. Inac attributed the unilateral suspension of operations to the airlines joining 'state terrorism actions promoted by the United States government.' This came after a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week, alerting to the 'deterioration of the security situation and the increase in military activity in Venezuela or its surroundings,' noting risks to aircraft at any altitude.
Several airlines canceled flights over the past weekend due to this alert. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) reported that failing the deadline would result in loss of flight rights, further reducing connectivity to Venezuela. According to the Venezuelan Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism (Avait), the suspension has affected over 8,000 passengers from 40 different flights.
The US has maintained a military deployment in the Caribbean since September, justified as a fight against drug trafficking, but Venezuela views it as an attempt at regime change, including aircraft carriers, warships, and F-35 planes. Iberia expressed its wish to resume flights once safety conditions are met, while Air Europa and Plus Ultra suspended operations without losing permits. Portugal's Infrastructure Minister, Miguel Pinto Luz, stated that his government 'does not yield to threats' and prioritizes national security.
Airlines Copa and Wingo, as well as national lines to Colombia, Panama, and Curacao, continue operating in Venezuela.