The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on Venezuela to reverse its decision to ban six international airlines from operating to/from the country.
On Wednesday, the operating permits of Iberia, TAP Portugal, avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Airlines were revoked.
In a late-night social media post, the Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil Venezuela (INAC) said rights were revoked because the airlines joined the actions of state terrorism promoted by the US government when they suspended flights to and from the country. Hundreds of travellers are stranded outside the country as a result.
IATA, a trade organisation representing over 350 airlines, defended the affected airlines in a media release saying that they temporarily suspended flights to protect passengers and crew. The six airlines suspended service to Venezuela after safety alerts were issued by both the US and Spanish governments.
However, according to IATA, the airlines are willing to resume service as soon as it is safe to do so. IATA previously warned that Venezuela’s decision to cancel airlines’ operating permits could further reduce connectivity to a country that is already one of the least connected in the region. Only a handful of airlines remain operating in Venezuela, including Panama-based COPA Airlines.
Last Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advising pilots to exercise caution while operating in the Maiquetía Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR). The NOTAM specifically warns pilots to exercise caution at all altitudes, including during overflight, as well as during the arrival and departure phases of flight.
The advisory said it was due to the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela”.—Brent Pinheiro
