Venezuela Revokes Concession for Six International Airlines
The government of Nicolás Maduro announced the revocation of concessions for six international airlines. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport and the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC), the affected companies are: Iberia, TAP Portugal, Avianca, Latam Airlines Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol.
The measure implies the immediate loss of landing and takeoff permits in Venezuelan territory. INAC had previously warned that the airlines would lose their rights if they did not resume operations within a 48-hour period, starting from Monday.
Reasons for the Suspension
The official statement indicates that the companies allegedly “joined in State-sponsored terrorism actions promoted by the US government” by suspending their flights following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Last Friday, the FAA alerted about a “potentially hazardous situation” in the airspace controlled from the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (FIR). The US authority recommended caution due to worsening security and increased military activity in and around Venezuela.
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Regional Context and Military Tensions
The anomalies in air traffic occur amid a US military deployment in the Caribbean, which includes the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, the largest in the world. Although Washington maintains that the operation aims to combat drug trafficking, President Maduro has denounced it as an attempted act of aggression.
The Venezuelan government stated that it has mobilized and strengthened its defenses, especially in the Maiquetía air zone, as it is the country’s main airport and is located facing the Caribbean Sea.
Risks Highlighted by the FAA
The FAA warned that the threats could pose a risk to aircraft at all altitudes, both during overflight and arrival/departure phases, in addition to potential impacts on airports and aircraft on the ground.
The airlines, after conducting rigorous risk analyses, decided to suspend operations to guarantee the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft, following international standards.
Impact on Air Connectivity
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that the Venezuelan government’s measure will further reduce the country’s connectivity, already limited compared to other nations in the region.
The airlines had expressed their willingness to reestablish flights as soon as conditions allowed and held meetings with the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport prior to the revocation.
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