Venezuela Halts Flights to Panama and Dominican Republic in Diplomatic Standoff

On July 29, the Venezuelan government announced a significant measure in response to diplomatic tensions, deciding to suspend all commercial flights to Panama and the Dominican Republic starting at 2000L (0000Z) on July 31. This decision comes as a direct consequence of both countries’ refusal to recognize the results of Venezuela’s recent presidential election, which confirmed Nicolás Maduro for another six-year term starting January 10, 2025.

In a broader diplomatic move, Venezuela has also severed diplomatic ties and expelled the diplomatic missions of seven Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. This action underscores the escalating regional tensions following an election contested by the opposition, which claims Edmundo González as the legitimate winner.

Copa Airlines, based in Panamá City Tocumen International, which operates multiple routes between Panama and various Venezuelan cities, has proactively outlined alternatives for affected travelers. These alternatives include full or partial refunds, travel vouchers, and flexible rebooking options for dates and destinations.

The Panamanian civil aviation authority has extended the flight embargo to include general aviation aircraft registered in Venezuela, pending the establishment of a clear mechanism for processing and approving landing permits. Venezolana is currently the only Venezuelan carrier offering scheduled passenger flights to Panama.

The reaction from the Dominican Republic has been more muted, with no official response yet from its civil aviation board or institute. However, airlines such as Rutaca Airlines, Laser Airlines, Avior Airlines, Venezolana, Turpial Airlines, and SKYhigh Dominicana that operate routes between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are likely to face operational disruptions. SKYhigh Dominicana and Laser Airlines have already announced that tickets for flights to Venezuela post-July 31 can be rescheduled within the next year.

This suspension of flights is part of Venezuela’s broader strategy to assert its political stance following the disputed election results and reflects the complex interplay of international relations in the region.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com