Venezuela has revoked the operating permits of six international airlines after they suspended flights in response to a U.S. safety warning. The civil aviation authority said Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM, Gol and Turkish Airlines had taken part in what it called “state terrorism” by halting service following an FAA alert about heightened military activity over Venezuela.
Portugal’s foreign affairs minister, Paulo Rangel, called the move “totally disproportionate,” saying TAP grounded flights solely for safety reasons, according to The Guardian. The International Air Transport Association said Venezuela gave carriers 48 hours to resume operations or risk losing their rights, but several opted to keep flights canceled until conditions improve.
Iberia said it plans to return once it determines the airspace is safe.
