(Reuters) -Venezuela’s aviation institute told international airlines on Monday that they must resume flights to the country within 48 hours or risk losing their clearance to fly there, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.
Several international airlines have canceled their flights departing from Venezuela in recent days after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned major airlines of a “potentially hazardous situation” when flying over the country.
IATA, which represents roughly 350 airlines, criticized the move by Venezuelan authorities, warning that the decision “will further reduce connectivity to the country, which is already one of the least-connected in the region.”
Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was not immediately able to contact the national aviation institute for comment.
Earlier on Monday, Spanish carrier Air Europa said it was suspending its five weekly flights between Madrid and Caracas “until conditions allow” for their resumption. Airline Plus Ultra also suspended the same route, Spanish media reported.
Over the weekend, IAG’s Spanish carrier Iberia said it was suspending its Venezuelan flights as well, joining other airlines such as Brazil’s Gol, Colombia’s Avianca and TAP Air Portugal.
An Iberia spokesperson said on Monday the suspension would last until at least December 1, while Gol said its Tuesday and Wednesday flights to Caracas were canceled. Turkish Airlines canceled flights through Friday.
Last Friday, the U.S. FAA warned about the “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela” and said threats could pose risks for aircraft at all altitudes.
There has been a massive American military buildup in the region in recent months, including the U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships and F-35 aircraft.
(Reporting by Reuters newsroom; Editing by Stephen Coates)
