Venezuela has revoked flight permits for several international airlines, accusing them of complicity in U.S.-promoted “state terrorism” after the carriers suspended operations citing U.S. security warnings.
The National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) announced the measure, affecting airlines including Portugal’s TAP, Spain’s Iberia, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s Latam Airlines, Turkey’s Turkish Airlines, and Brazil’s Gol Linhas Aéreas. This followed a 48-hour deadline given by the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport on Monday for airlines to resume flights.
INAC and the Ministry of Transport stated on Instagram that they were suspending operations “by joining the acts of state terrorism promoted by the U.S. Government.” This marks a direct challenge to Washington’s influence over commercial air travel.
The affected airlines had previously halted services after a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alert advised caution for flights in Venezuelan airspace due to a deteriorating security situation. TAP specifically cited information from U.S. aviation authorities regarding unsafe conditions, particularly in the Maiquetía flight information region.
The FAA warning, issued last Friday, called for “prudence” when operating in the Maiquetía flight information region. This area covers Venezuelan-controlled airspace and parts of the southern and eastern Caribbean. The agency cited “intensified military activity in or near Venezuela.”
This move by Venezuela escalates ongoing tensions with the United States. Washington has recently declared a cartel associated with President Nicolas Maduro a terrorist organization. The U.S. has also attacked Venezuelan vessels, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking.