Nov. 25 (UPI) — Tensions between the United States and Venezuela has prompted many airlines to cancel international flights to the South American nation, which has stranded some travelers.
Several international airlines have canceled flights to the Venezuelan capital of Caracas after the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday cautioned them against flying over Venezuela as the United States increases its military presence and activities to thwart what it says is drug smuggling from Venezuela and other South American nations, Fox News reported.
The FAA cited a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela” when issuing its cautionary notice, according to euro news.
The disruption of international air service has left some global travelers stranded in Caracas and prompted the Venezuelan government to demand the airlines resume their services, the BBC reported.
The airlines include Spain-based Air Europa, Iberia and Plus Ultra. They also include Brazil-based Gol, Chile’s Latam air carrier, Avianca of Colombia, Portugal’s TAP airline and Turkish Airlines.
The Venezuelan government on Monday gave the airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume their flights or lose their clearance to fly over Venezuelan airspace.
The demand drew a rebuke from the International Air Transport Association, which said Venezuela would become more isolated if its aviation regulators followed through with their threat.
The Trump administration designated as a foreign terrorist organization the Cartel d los Soles and deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the area.
The cartel is a collection of Venezuelan military and governmental officials who are accused of being involved in drug trafficking.
“Cartel de los Soels by and with other designated FTOs, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, are responsible for terrorist violence throughout our hemisphere as well as for trafficking drugs into the United States and Europe,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week.
The United States also raised to $50 million its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Venezuelan government has denied the existence of the Cartel de los Soles.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.