IATA asks Panama and Venezuela re-establish air connectivity.

Redacción - Aviación al Día

5 years ago

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the aviation authorities of Panama and Venezuela to urgently restore flights between both countries, after they were suspended on December 13, 2020.

“This interruption could not have come at a worse time. Venezuela had very limited international air connectivity even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The recently resumed flights to and from Panama became a lifeline for both passengers and cargo. Cutting this link before the vacation travel season – and at a time when demand for pharmaceuticals needed to fight the pandemic is at its peak – will have dire consequences. Travelers’ plans will be severely affected, as many will be stranded, while essential cargo will be unable to be transported or will be massively delayed,” said Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas.

“We understand that governments are prioritizing the protection of their citizens from COVID-19. However, the aviation industry has been working with global organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that aviation can operate safely during the pandemic. IATA has been cooperating with authorities throughout Latin America to ensure that borders can be reopened under safe conditions for air travel and is ready to help implement globally aligned measures that will allow the reopening of the Panama-Venezuela air corridor,” added Cerda.

The aviation industry is currently experiencing its greatest crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As air service slowly recovers throughout the region, the imposition of any unnecessary restrictions on aviation during the crucial restart phase will delay the economic and social recovery of the countries and peoples of the region.