Venezuela Prohibits Airlines Labeled as ‘Terrorists’ Due to Flight Halts

Post by : Raina Nasser

Venezuela’s aviation authority declared on Wednesday that it has enacted a ban on several international airlines, accusing them of “terrorism” for halting flights to the country. The impacted airlines include Spain’s Iberia, Portugal’s TAP, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s LATAM, Brazil’s LATAM and GOL, and Turkey’s Turkish Airlines.

The civil aviation authority posted on Instagram that these airlines will face revocation of their operational permits for “aligning with the state terrorism actions advocated by the United States government and unilaterally ceasing their commercial air operations.”

This action follows a warning from the United States about heightened military maneuvers in the Caribbean, targeting drug trafficking. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asserts that these movements aim to destabilize his government.

The disruptions from the airline suspensions and the ensuing ban have complicated travel arrangements for passengers, increasing tensions between Venezuela, the US, and the involved nations. The Venezuelan government interprets the airlines’ actions as part of a broader political attack against the country.

Passengers and travel agencies are currently seeking more information regarding alternative routes and the potential for service resumption. The aviation authority has warned that any airline aiding “foreign aggression” could face similar penalties.