TAP said this Thursday, 27th, that the lack of safety conditions, imposed by its internal standards and by the regulator, does not allow it to fly to Venezuela at the moment, guaranteeing that it wants to continue serving the diaspora in that region.
“TAP has been flying to Venezuela for almost 50 years and wants to continue serving the community and the national diaspora in that region. However, it cannot do so at the moment due to a lack of safety conditions, imposed both by its internal standards and by ANAC [Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil]”, stated the airline, in a written response sent to Lusa.
The Venezuelan Government fulfilled the threat and revoked the operating licenses of several international airlines, including TAP, accusing them of “joining in the acts of terrorism” promoted by the USA.
Hours after the deadline set by Venezuelan authorities for airlines, the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport and the country’s National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) announced the decision on Wednesday, which affects Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, reacted today by stating that the “Government of Portugal does not give in to threats, ultimatums or pressure of any nature”, in a publication published on social media, accompanied by an image related to the revocation of TAP’s license by Venezuela and another about Ryanair’s threat to leave the Azores from March onwards.
“In terms of civil aviation, as in all strategic areas, Portugal respects international rules, best safety practices and coordination with the competent aeronautical authorities”, reads the publication by Miguel Pinto Luz.
The minister also stressed that Portugal “is a free, sovereign and responsible country” and that the Government will “always act with serenity, firmness and a sense of State”.
Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol had canceled flights to and from Caracas after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended, last Friday, that commercial airlines “exercise extreme caution” when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean due to what it considers “a potentially dangerous situation in the region”.
Shortly before the announcement, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reiterated that the country’s government “decides who flies and who doesn’t” and “reserves the right of admission.”
“The national government, in a sovereign decision, told the airlines: if you don’t resume flights within 48 hours, don’t resume them at all. You can keep your planes, and we will maintain our dignity, and that’s it, no problems”, he declared.