US Campaign Shrinks Venezuela's Air Network to Just 20 Aging Aircraft?

The commercial aviation sector in Venezuela faces severe operational challenges. A recent report indicates the nation's air network is now reliant on an aging fleet of roughly 20 commercial aircraft. This dramatic reduction follows sustained pressure from the U.S. government on the Nicolás Maduro regime. The resulting international isolation has crippled air travel connectivity.

International Connectivity Crisis

The crisis intensified after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety warning. The agency cautioned pilots about a "worsening security situation". This warning included concerns over "heightened military activity" in or around Venezuelan airspace. This advisory prompted major international carriers to suspend service to the country.

Airlines including Spain's Iberia, Portugal's TAP Air, and Colombia's Avianca halted flights. Brazil's GOL and LATAM also suspended their routes. In response, Venezuela's civil aviation authority revoked the operational permits of several international carriers. Air Europa, a Spanish carrier, extended its flight suspension into the new year. These actions have effectively cut off direct commercial connections to key European and South American hubs.

Passenger Traffic and Fleet Deterioration

The impact on passenger movement has been profound. Weekly passenger traffic has fallen sharply, according to the report. It dropped from approximately 15,000 passengers flying in and out each week. Current figures are estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 weekly passengers. This represents a decline of over 85%.

Only a few local carriers maintain limited operations. These include Laser Airlines, Avior Airlines, and state-owned Conviasa. However, the entire operational fleet faces significant obstacles. U.S. sanctions have targeted the state-owned airline, Conviasa, since 2020. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) listed 40 aircraft in Conviasa's fleet as blocked property. This sanctioned fleet includes Airbus A340 and Boeing 737 models.

Maintenance and Safety Concerns

The sanctions severely restrict access to essential parts and maintenance services. This is especially true for aircraft with U.S.-made components. The inability to secure certified parts and technical support contributes to the aging aircraft fleet problem. It raises serious concerns about airworthiness and long-term operational safety. The situation puts immense strain on the remaining local airlines.

• The fleet reduction hinders essential travel and trade.
• Sanctions complicate maintenance, raising airworthiness risks.
• The FAA warning has rerouted international air traffic, avoiding Venezuelan airspace.

This ongoing situation creates a major challenge for the region's commercial aviation news. It highlights the geopolitical risks impacting global air travel. The primary international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, has seen a sharp decline in activity. Stakeholders are monitoring for any changes in the regulatory or political environment that could restore international service. Read more commercial aviation news on https://flying.flights.