Days after Venezuela issued an ultimatum to international airlines requiring them to resume service or lose the right to fly, the country has followed through with that threat. In a late-night social media post, the Instituto Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil Venezuela (INAC) confirmed that concessions had been revoked for six airlines: Iberia, TAP Portugal, avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL Airlines. Local carrier Caribbean Airlines was not named on the list. The notice was published in the Official Gazette No. 43264 of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
INAC says rights were revoked because the airlines joined the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government when they suspended flights to and from the country.
This latest move leaves just a handful of airlines operating in Venezuela, including Panama-based COPA Airlines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that this decision will further reduce connectivity to a country that is already one of the least connected in the region.
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 says this is due to the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela”.
The advisory led to several airlines cancelling flights to/from Venezuela and suspending operations, citing safety concerns. (Guardian)
