Commercial Flights To and From Venezuela Are Suspended

The Civil Aeronautical Authority of Panama reported that as of 8:00 pm this Wednesday, July 31, commercial flights to and from Venezuela will be temporarily suspended.  “This measure also applies to general aviation aircraft with Venezuelan registration that wish to enter Panamanian territory until a clear mechanism is established with the National Institute of Civil Aviation of Venezuela, where it is determined how to request, the processing time and approval of landing permits in each country,” the statement said.  The Nicolás Maduro regime announced the measure on the night of Monday, July 29, through the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics of Venezuela, indicating that the decision was taken in rejection of the interference of these countries in Venezuelan sovereignty.  Panamanian airline Copa Airlines operates flights to five destinations in Venezuela: Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo, Barquisimeto and Barcelona.  On the Venezuelan side, some flights are operated by Venezolana de Aviación and Turpial.  Occasionally, some Conviasa charters operate on a shared route with Nicaragua.  It has been learned that some travel agencies are handling flexible changes to some of the tickets.  Last Monday, July 28, the government of Panama decided to suspend diplomatic relations with Venezuela until a complete review of the minutes and the computer system of the vote count is carried out that “allows to know the genuine popular will” in the electoral process of July 28.  Copa Airlines will allow ticket changes without charge due to the temporary suspension of flights to Venezuela.  The airline said it will also allow cancellation of travel by keeping the itinerary for a later date or refund of unused tickets.