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IATA: Venezuela orders international airlines restart flights

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade association, reported that Venezuela's aviation institute had told international airlines to resume flights into the country in 48 hours. Otherwise they risked losing their permission to fly to Venezuela.

Several international carriers have canceled flights leaving Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to major airlines about a "potentially dangerous situation" while flying over Venezuela.

IATA, the organization that represents about 350 airlines, has criticized Venezuelan authorities for their decision, saying it "will further decrease connectivity in the country, already one of the most under-connected countries in the region."

The Venezuelan Information Ministry did not respond immediately to a comment request. The national aviation institute could not be reached for a comment immediately.

Air Europa, a Spanish carrier, announced earlier on Monday that it would suspend its five weekly flights from Madrid to Caracas until "conditions allow" their resumement. Spanish media reported that Airline Plus Ultra had also suspended flights on the same route. IAG's Spanish carrier Iberia announced over the weekend that it would suspend its Venezuelan flights, joining other carriers such as Brazil's Gol and Colombia's Avianca. Iberia's spokesperson announced on Monday that the suspension will last until at least 1 December, while Gol cancelled its flights to Caracas for Tuesday and Wednesday. Turkish Airlines has canceled all flights until Friday. The U.S. FAA issued a warning last Friday about "the worsening security situation" and the increased military activity around Venezuela. It said that the threats could be dangerous for aircraft of all altitudes.

In recent months there has been an enormous American military buildup, including the largest aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy, as well as at least eight warships and F-35s. (Reporting and editing by Stephen Coates; Reporting by the newsroom)

(source: Reuters)