 "A view of a departures and arrivals screen is seen at the Simon Bolivar International airport in Maiquetia, La Guaira State, Venezuela June 3, 2024. AFP")
Several international airlines are cancelling their flights to and from Venezuela after the United States Federal Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over the country. The announcement came amid brewing tensions between the two nations.
According to Flight Radar 24, Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca, Chile’s LATAM, Trinidad and Tobago’s Caribbean, and TAP Air Portugal cancelled their flights departing from Caracas on Saturday. The official website of Simon Bolivar Maiquetia International Airport also indicated the same.
Amid the cancellation of flights, Aeronautica Civil de Colombia said in a statement that there were “potential risks” of flying in the Maiquetia area “due to the deterioration of security conditions and increased military activity in the region.”
Meanwhile, TAP Air Portugal also confirmed that it is cancelling flights scheduled for Saturday and next Tuesday. “This decision follows information issued by the United States aviation authorities, which indicates that safety conditions in Venezuelan airspace are not guaranteed,” the company told Reuters.
The US issues a warning
The announcements from multiple international airlines came shortly after the US FAA issued a notice on the matter, citing “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela”. The American authorities noted that these threats could pose significant risks to aircraft flying at all altitudes.
In recent weeks, there has been a massive American military buildup in the region, including the deployment of the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35 aircraft. Four US officials told Reuters that the country is poised to launch a new phase of Venezuela-related “operations” in the coming days.
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View AllTwo of the officials also revealed that covert operations will likely be the first part of the new phase against President Nicolas Maduro. “President Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice,” one of the officials told Reuters on the condition of anonymity.
The sources noted that all options are under consideration, including the attempt to overthrow Maduro.