Venezuela Escalates Tensions with US: Revokes Flight Rights for 6 Airlines Amid Rising Tensions

Image Source: Internet

Venezuela has revoked the operating permits of six major international airlines, including Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol, following their suspension of flights to the country. The move comes after a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about a 'potentially hazardous situation' due to Venezuela's worsening security situation and heightened military activity. The Venezuelan civil aviation authority claims the airlines 'joined actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States' by unilaterally halting commercial flights. However, the US regulator maintains its authority over international airspace, while Venezuela denies this, accusing the FAA of overstepping its bounds. The US has been deploying military forces to the Caribbean in recent months to combat what it sees as President Nicolas Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs to the US. Maduro has denied the allegations and claims US President Donald Trump wants to oust him. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated that Venezuelan authorities had given international airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume flights, or face losing their rights to fly to the country. Several major airlines have canceled flights to Venezuela in recent days, ignoring the deadline. It's worth noting that not all airlines have been affected, with Air Europa and Plus Ultra suspending flights but keeping their permits, while Copa and Wingo continue to operate in Venezuela, along with domestic airlines flying to nearby countries.