Venezuela's near isolation as new flight suspensions take effect

Venezuela is experiencing increasing air isolation as four additional airlines have suspended flights, joining earlier carriers that halted services due to safety concerns. This follows a U.S. government warning about potential hazards in Venezuelan airspace amid heightened military activity in the Caribbean.

Copa Airlines first announced on Wednesday night that it would pause operations to Venezuela, citing "intermittent navigation signals" detected by pilots. While the company stated that flights were not directly endangered, it extended the suspension until December 12 as a precaution.

On Thursday, Colombian carrier Satena and Boliviana de Aviacin also suspended services, reporting interference and failures in satellite navigation systems on routes to Venezuela. Satena noted disruptions on flights to Valencia, describing the conditions as an "operational risk," while Boliviana de Aviacin halted flights after instability in navigation signals was observed. Wingo, another Colombian airline, also paused operations, initially for 48 hours but now through at least December 12.

Several airlines, including Iberia, Air Europa, Plus Ultra, TAP Portugal, Avianca, GOL, LATAM Colombia, and Turkish Airlines, had already stopped flights following a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration alert on November 24. The advisory recommended heightened caution due to increased military movements in the southern Caribbean. European aviation authorities issued similar warnings.

Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation initially stated that the suspensions were coordinated with airlines and expected to last 48 hours. However, carriers opted to maintain flight pauses while assessing the risks. In response, the Venezuelan government revoked licenses for some airlines, accusing them of participating in "acts of state terrorism promoted by the United States," effectively banning their operations indefinitely.

Simn Bolvar International Airport in Maiqueta is now operating with a minimal flight schedule. Only 11 arrivals and departures are planned, mainly by Venezuelan airlines connecting to Bogot, Curaao, and Havana. Flight boards showed numerous cancellations, including several from Copa and Wingo.

The air travel disruptions, fueled by geopolitical tensions between Venezuela and the U.S., have left over 15,000 passengers stranded since late November. Panama's La Prensa reports travelers are struggling to find alternative routes.

Peter Cerd, vice president for the Americas at the International Air Transport Association, described the situation as delicate and unfortunate. He highlighted that airlines face difficult decisions affecting passengers, cargo, and profitability, and noted that Venezuelas already limited connectivity is worsening.

Businesses in La Guaira warned that the flight reductions are delaying imports, driving up costs, and risking temporary shortages. The International Civil Aviation Organization emphasized that while nations control their airspace, airlines determine operations based on their own risk assessments.

President Nicols Maduros government has accused the United States of "aggression" and announced reinforced air defenses near Maiqueta airport.

Author: Harper Simmons