Six airlines suspend Venezuela flights after US FAA warns of military activity risks, as American forces deploy to the region.
CARACAS: Six airlines have cancelled flights to Venezuela following a US aviation safety warning about heightened military activity.
Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Chile’s LATAM, Colombia’s Avianca and Brazil’s GOL suspended their Venezuela operations on Saturday.
Marisela de Loaiza, president of the Venezuelan Airlines Association (ALAV), confirmed the cancellations but did not specify their duration.
Panama’s Copa Airlines, Spain’s Air Europa and PlusUltra and Venezuela’s LASER continue operating flights for now.
Turkish Airlines separately announced Sunday it would cancel Venezuela flights from November 24-28.
The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a caution notice Friday urging civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to exercise extreme care.
It warned of potential risks “due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.”
“Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including during overflight, the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground,” the FAA stated.
Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, Navy warships and stealth aircraft to the region.
The US says these deployments aim to curb drug trafficking, but Caracas fears they could signal regime change intentions.
A US terrorism designation takes effect Monday for a drug cartel allegedly headed by Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Some analysts believe this move could presage military action against his government.
US forces have conducted strikes against more than 20 alleged drug-smuggling vessels since early September.
These operations have killed more than 80 people in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
The United States has yet to release concrete evidence that targeted vessels were used for drug smuggling.
Regional tensions have flared due to the military campaign and accompanying buildup. – AFP
