The Russian-made aircraft, model Ilyushin Il-96-300, used alternatively for commercial flights and presidential trips by Miguel Díaz-Canel
MIAMI.- A Cubana de Aviación flight with registration CU-T1250 he was forced to return to Cuba this Thursday morning after failing to complete its landing in Venezuela, in a context of restrictions and tensions in the airspace that still persist despite recent official announcements.
According to data from digital monitor FlightRadar24, the Russian-made aircraft, model Ilyushin Il-96-300, used alternatively for commercial flights and presidential trips Miguel Diaz-Canelmade a couple of 360-degree turns near Venezuela before completely giving up on reaching its initial destination.
The incident occurred after the United States reported the lifting of restrictions on Venezuelan airspacein force for more than a month after the military operation called “Absolute Resolution”, in which US special forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, explained on the social network
However, the reopening has not meant an immediate return to normality. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued an alert weeks ago to airlines due to a potentially dangerous situation when flying over Venezuela, due to the deterioration of security and the increase in military activity, factors that could put aircraft at risk at any altitude.
In this same context, the Cuban authorities reported this week to the relatives of the Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela that, for the moment, it is not possible to repatriate the bodies. According to the explanations offered, the tension that remains in the South American country and the scarcity of available flights prevent the transfer from being carried out at this time, without a date having been specified for their eventual return to the island.
Air restrictions had a direct impact on international operations. During the period of greatest tension, several European airlines, including Iberia, Air Europa and Plus Ultra, suspended their flights to Venezuela in response to warnings from US authorities. In the case of Iberia, the cancellation of its operations was extended until the end of January.
