Latin American airlines eye Venezuela return as ties thaw, hurdles remain

Latin American ​airlines are showing renewed interest in ​Venezuela as diplomatic channels reopen ‌and carriers ​prepare to restore links to Caracas, though industry executives said damaged airport infrastructure and an outdated regulatory framework ‌remain major obstacles to a broader recovery.

Venezuela has strong long-term potential because of its location, but the immediate priority is rebuilding the country's aviation platform after the deadly June ‌earthquakes damaged its main international gateway at Maiquetía, outside Caracas, Peter Cerda, head ‌of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA), said in a press conference on Sunday.