In brief
Venezuela has banned Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines from its airspace due to their suspension of flights amidst US military presence near the country. The decision reflects increasing tensions as the US ramps up military operations purportedly targeting drug trafficking but viewed by Venezuela as a threat to its sovereignty. The ban affects thousands of travelers and highlights the ongoing conflict between the Venezuelan government and the US.
Venezuela has banned six major international airlines from landing in the country after they failed to meet a 48-hour deadline to resume flights there.
The airlines had temporarily suspended their routes into the capital, Caracas, after the US warned of heightened military activity in the area.
Angered by this, the Venezuelan government issued the carriers with an ultimatum that expired on Wednesday. While a number of smaller airlines continue to fly to Venezuela, thousands of passengers have been affected.
The US has deployed a large force to waters off Venezuela, which it says is to combat drug trafficking but which Venezuela's leader has denounced as an attempt to overthrow him.
Venezuela's civil aviation authority, which reports to the country's ministry of transport, announced on Wednesday that Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca and Turkish Airlines would lose their landing and take-off rights with immediate effect.
In a reference to the heightened US military activity off the coast of Venezuela, it also accused the airlines of joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations.
The US has deployed 15,000 troops and the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, to within striking distance of Venezuela.
The US says the aim of the deployment is to combat drug trafficking, having carried out at least 21 strikes on boats they allege were involved in this activity.
However, many analysts believe this military presence is a show of force aimed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro's government.
Despite efforts by both parties to seek dialogue, tensions remain high, with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) advising operators to exercise caution in Venezuelan airspace.
