Venezuela revokes permits for six airlines including Iberia and Turkish Airlines after they suspended flights due to US warnings about military activity
CARACAS: Venezuela’s aviation authority has banned multiple airlines accused of “terrorism” after they suspended routes following United States warnings about military activity in the region.
The affected carriers include Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile and Brazil’s LATAM, Brazil’s GOL and Turkish Airlines.
Their operational permits will be revoked for “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations,” the civil aviation authority stated on Instagram.
Washington had warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean amid a deployment targeting narcotics operations.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro insists the US military presence is intended to overthrow his government.
Last week, the US Federal Aviation Administration urged civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to “exercise caution” due to the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.”
Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, other Navy warships, and stealth aircraft to the region.
The US says these deployments aim to curb drug trafficking, but Caracas fears regime change is the actual goal.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Transport gave the six airlines a 48-hour deadline on Monday to resume flights.
That deadline expired at noon on Wednesday with all carriers maintaining their suspensions.
The flight suspensions have affected more than 8,000 passengers on at least 40 different flights according to the Venezuelan Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies. – AFP
