Airlines Suspend Flights Into Venezuela Amid Heightened Tensions

Intro

To put it lightly, things are getting messy down in Venezuela with the heightened tensions between the United States and the ally of Russia... While I'll touch on the broader aspect later of what's going on, things aren't looking good for airlines wanting to continue flights to Caracas...

The Details

The United States FAA recently issued a Notam for those flying over Venezuela, basically letting people know to exercise caution in this area. While we have seen US airlines actively avoid Venezuelan airspace for quite some time now, other airlines have had no issues when it comes to flying over the airspace.

Now, with the heightened tensions, many airlines such as GOL, TK, and TAP have temporarily decided to suspend flights into Caracas, which in turn has made Maduro relatively upset. Maduro then came out to say that airlines that don't fly to Caracas within the next 48 hours will have their permits for flying to Venezuela revoked.

Turkish Airlines was one of the airlines that cancelled flights

Interestingly, the Turkish flight from Istanbul seems to be getting on its way as I write this post, but with the diplomatic ties, this makes sense.

Low Blow By The USA

As someone who tends to back up the truth, this is just a low blow by the United States, which has now caused Maduro to say this. They have brought the world into their newfound war with Venezuela for absolutely no reason at all, and whether or not you agree with Maduro being in power, you have to feel for the people of Venezuela here.

Let's be honest, those who are allied with Venezuela will have no issues flying to Caracas, while countries that are either loyal to the West or neutral will take a stance in indirectly supporting the United States here. It's politics, not safety. Had none of this happened, airlines would continue flying, even with the new drug war going on, and have no issues safety-wise.

However, and I speak about this a lot, the people in power do what they need to do in hopes of having their country prosper. Whether that be the United States or Venezuela in this situation. Whatever happens, I am sure it won't be long before most airlines make a comeback into Caracas, and everything will go on as if it never happened.

Final Thoughts

A few days ago, a notice was sent out by the FAA to carriers around the world to exercise caution when flying over or into Venezuela. With this notice and the heightened tensions, many airlines have decided to suspend service to Caracas for the time being, causing Maduro frustration. Personally, I see both sides here, as this is purely political from the United States, and the world continues to suck up to the USA...