To date, Venezuelan authorities have formally outlawed six foreign airlines. They referenced charges of “state terrorism” as hostilities between Iran and the United States continue to rise. For the moment, the civil aviation authority of Venezuela has cancelled the operational permits for Iberia, Tap, Avianca, Latam, Gol and Turkish Air. This decision followed shortly after these airlines’ suspension of flights to the country. Airlines need to be back up and running again in no longer than 48 hours. If they cannot, they risk permanently losing their opportunity to return to Venezuela.
The Venezuelan general also claimed that there is now a US intelligence facility on Colombia’s border with Venezuela. In response to the community’s outcry, the airline has announced that it will pivot. The FAA cited a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity” as reasons for its caution. Because of these changes, the airlines almost immediately grounded all flights. What mattered is that during the pandemic they successfully pivoted to prioritize the safety of their passengers and crews.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently refuted the US accusations of his government’s collaboration with drug traffickers. He claims that these allegations have unjustly associated his administration with American deaths. He replied to the FAA’s caution that the agency lacks jurisdiction over Venezuelan airspace.
On Wednesday, Venezuela’s civil aviation authority stated that the airlines had “joined the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspended air commercial operations.” This declaration is another serious step-up in the already high tensions between Venezuela and the US.
In response to the ban, Avianca quickly announced its intention to retake its cancelled flights to Caracas beginning December 5. Iberia conveyed its intention to restart its operation as soon as its safety conditions on the ground permit.
The move has caused worldwide outrage, including scathing condemnation from Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel, who called Venezuela’s action “completely disproportionate.” Portugal had already unsuccessfully tried to convince Venezuelan officials via its embassy to restore the airlines’ operating rights.
“We have no intention of canceling our routes to Venezuela, and that, obviously, we only did so for security reasons.” – Paulo Rangel
Against this backdrop of rising tensions, the US just deployed its largest military deployment to the Caribbean in decades. This decision marks a major step in the deteriorating tenor between the two countries. The conflict appears to be escalating further as both governments continue to exchange accusations and take steps that impact international air travel.