The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the Venezuelan government this Thursday to “reconsider” the revocation of flight permits for international airlines, a measure that according to the organization directly affects the country’s connectivity with the rest of the world.
“IATA and its members reiterate their willingness to promote cooperation and joint work to find solutions that guarantee air safety and, at the same time, preserve Venezuela’s connectivity with the rest of the world,” the association highlighted in a statement.
The entity He clarified that the airlines involved maintain their commitment to Venezuela and are prepared to restore their operations “safely and efficiently” as soon as possible, “for the benefit of the passengers affected by this situation that is beyond the control” of the companies.
He stressed that the airlines’ decision to suspend their flights was due to the protection of passengers and crews.
Maduro revokes permits and accuses airlines of terrorism
On Wednesday, the government of Nicolás Maduro revoked the flight permits of Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC), the airlines would have “joined the terrorist actions” promoted by the United States and “unilaterally” canceled their flights to and from Venezuela.
The decision of the Venezuelan Executive followed the expiration of 48 hours that he had given to the companies to resume their operations, after they suspended their flights following the warning from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, which called on airlines to “exercise caution” when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean.
