While most airlines have suspended service to troubled Venezuela, a handful have continued, including TAP Air Portugal. But the Star Alliance member now finds itself condemned by Venezuelan authorities and suspended for 90 days.
Venezuela Punishes TAP Air Portugal For Transporting Opposition Leader
Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó recently concluded a multi-stop tour which included the White House and several European capitals. Traveling with his uncle, Guaidó has sought to raise support and awareness over his movement in Venezuela. Already the United States and European Union recognize him as the legitimate leader of Venezuela, a move that has made Nicolas Maduro and his regime irate.
Guaidó flew TAP Air Portugal for his journey home to Caracas. Upon landing, his uncle was arrested for “attempting to bring a small amount of explosives” into Venezuela. This is widely thought to be a sham charge.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said TAP’s rights to serve Venezuela would be suspended for 90 days over this breach of public trust (allowing the “explosives” onboard).
“Venezuela must be respected.”
TAP denies any wrongdoing, arguing that it complied with all Venezuelan and Portuguese safety and legal requirements for the flight. It added:
“This is a serious measure which harms our passengers, without the company even having been given a chance to counter the accusation.”
Now the Portuguese government may intervene as it looks into the matter. Already Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said, “I can’t see any kind of justification” and views the move as a “hostile act” against Portugal.
CONCLUSION
The Maduro regime doesn’t make much sense to me. Why would it alienate one of the last international airlines serving Caracas? TAP’s flight represent a vital lifeline for the Venezuelan people to the outside world. TAP should think seriously about suspending all service to Venezuela if the government is going to act so petulantly.
Since 2017, TAP has used a leased euroAtlatnic 767 on the Caracas route.
> Read More: How Airlines Are Going To Great Lengths To Avoid Venezuela Layovers
TAP should take that as a compliment. Who wants to fly to Venezuela??
Fly where you want. Others will fly where they wish including Venezuela.
Great comment, totally agree!
Excuse me!!!!!!! Maduro is the legitimate President of the Venezuela government. There is no regime. Guaido or more correctly White Dog is a fraud who trained with US intelligence in Serbia and has zero legitimacy.
In any other country on earth he would be on trial for high treason. His support for starvation sanctions is repulsive. Of course if he was rightfully arrested the gorilla bully to the North West would probably invade.
Maduro will be hung in the streets of Caracas one day…
You are either naive or moronic. Tap knew he is political figure. They did it anyway. They had it coming.
You have travelled the world, surely you understand that freedom and democracy is nothing hut propaganda.
Uh, what. Airlines can’t transport “political figures” anymore?
Maduro is a rabid dog. A great example of Socialism, though.
it is Caracas and not Caracaras.
Gracias.