Post by : Rameen Ariff

Venezuela’s aviation authority announced on Wednesday that it has banned several international airlines, accusing them of “terrorism” after they suspended flights to the country. The airlines affected 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 stated on Instagram that these airlines will have their operational permits revoked for “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations.”

The move comes after the United States warned of increased military activity in the Caribbean, citing operations targeting drug trafficking. Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, however, has insisted that these military movements are aimed at overthrowing his government.

The airline suspensions and subsequent ban have disrupted travel for passengers and raised tensions between Venezuela, the United States, and the affected countries. The government said it views the actions of the airlines as part of a broader political strategy against Venezuela.

Passengers and travel operators are awaiting further guidance on alternative routes and resumption of services. The aviation authority emphasized that any airline cooperating with “foreign aggression” risks similar sanctions.

#Travel News