Venezuela has banned six international airlines, accusing them of “state terrorism” after the carriers suspended flights to the country following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Spain's Iberia, Portugal's Tap, Colombia's Avianca, Chile and Brazil's Latam, Brazil's Gol and Turkish Airlines had their operational permits revoked for “joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government”. The ban was announced late on Wednesday by Venezuela's civil aviation authority.
Last week, the FAA warned airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over Venezuela due to a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity”. The US has made its largest military deployment to the Caribbean in decades, citing President Nicolás Maduro's role in supplying illegal drugs, a charge Maduro denies.
Portugal's foreign affairs minister, Paulo Rangel, called the decision “totally disproportionate” and said Portugal had no intention of cancelling routes, only suspending for security reasons. The International Air Transport Association said Venezuelan authorities gave airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume flights or lose their rights; several ignored it.
Iberia said it wished to restart flights to Venezuela as soon as full safety conditions were met. Avianca announced it would reschedule cancelled flights for 5 December. Copa and its low-cost Wingo unit continue to operate in Venezuela, along with some domestic airlines.
