Iberia's Extended Suspension: Flights to Venezuela Grounded Amid Tensions

Spanish airline Iberia has suspended its flights to Venezuela until December 31. The decision follows Venezuela's revocation of operating rights for multiple international airlines due to U.S. warnings about airspace safety. Iberia seeks to resume flights once safety guarantees are met.

Spanish carrier Iberia has extended its suspension of flights to Venezuela until December 31, following recommendations from Spain's aviation safety agency, AESA. This move is amid escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington affecting commercial aviation.

Recently, Venezuela revoked the operating rights of six major international airlines. These airlines had stopped their services following a U.S. warning about a "potentially hazardous situation" in Venezuelan airspace. Accusations from Caracas suggest that the airlines were partaking in "state terrorism" actions promoted by the U.S.

Iberia, owned by International Consolidated Airlines, offers affected passengers options to change tickets, rebook to a nearby destination, or request refunds. The airline plans to resume flights once safety conditions improve, though military activities in the Caribbean continue to delay such efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)