 "Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. File image/AFP")
Venezuela has revoked the operating rights of six major international airlines after they suspended flights to the country following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration about heightened security risks. The airlines Venezuela revoked permits for Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol.
Caracas accused it of joining hands with terrorism which is helped by the United States, creating a dangerous situation and posing a significant threat.
The US FAA last week warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over Venezuela due to the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around” the country.
Military build-up
The warning was seen as a US military build-up in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug-trafficking, which the US usually links to Venezuelan President NIcolas Maduro. Maduro has denied the allegations against drug trafficking and said US President Donald Trump seeks to oust him.
Restart flight services
Iberia Airlines said that it wishes to start flights to Venezuela as soon as safety measures are in place and there is no risk of significant threat.
Venezuela gave the airlines a 48-hour ultimatum to resume the flight services when several airlines fail to comply.
The flight suspension highlights the escaping tensions between US and Venezuela, framing that the suspensions are attacks coordinated by the US, while the US states its actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region.