The Venezuelan government defended this Thursday its strategy to strengthen the air connection with Russia, a decision that occurs amid the tension generated after the warning of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States, which asked international airlines to “exercise caution” when flying over Venezuela.
During the XIX Russia-Venezuela High Level Intergovernmental Commission, held virtually, the executive vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, pointed out that both countries plan to increase bilateral flights with the aim of boosting tourism and maintaining the pace of cooperation.
He insisted that the United States “puts pressure on other countries because they believe they can isolate Venezuela.”
FAA warns about risk in Venezuela, government revokes air concessions
Last Friday the FAA warned about “a potentially dangerous situation” for civil aviation and detailed that there is “a potential risk for aircraft at all altitudes, including during the overflight and the arrival and departure phases,” due to the “deterioration of the security situation and the increase in military activity in Venezuela or its surroundings.”
The executive vice president affirmed that Venezuela is “under serious threats of military aggression” and thanked Moscow for “all manifestations of solidarity.” He assured that the relationship with Russia is “unstoppable” and “indestructible.”
The Venezuelan government responded this week with direct measures on the aeronautical sector. After granting a 48-hour period on Monday to reactivate flights, Caracas on Wednesday revoked the concessions of Iberia, TAP, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Latam Colombia and Gol, accusing them of “joining the terrorist actions” promoted by the United States.
The international reaction did not take long to arrive. The International Air Transport Association (IATA)which represents more than 300 airlines around the world, urged Venezuela to “reconsider” the decision and warned of the operational and commercial consequences of the measure.
