nsnbc : Colombia’s Avianca airlines suspended flights to neighboring Venezuela ahead of Sunday’s Constituent Assembly elections, citing security concerns. The French flag carrier Air France also suspended flights even though Air France cited other security concerns than Avianca.
Colombia’s Avianca airlines announced already on Wednesday that it suspends flights between Colombia and neighboring Venezuela. On Saturday Air France followed suit, also citing security concerns.
Air France suspended flights due to fears that the volatile situation in Venezuela ahead, during and after the Constituent Assembly election on Sunday might pose a risk to airline personnel and passengers.
Avianca, for its part, said that it suspends the servicing of flights to Venezuela because much-needed changes to airport infrastructure in Venezuela and to ensure that international standards are met.
Avianca normally operates to direct flights to the Venezuelan capital Caracas. One from Bogota and one from Lima, Peru. Avianca Executive President Hernan Rincon said he laments the decision but stressed that it is Avianca’s obligation to guaranty the safety of operations. The American United Airlines suspended flights to Venezuela in June, citing similar security concerns.
However, as correct as Avianca’s decision may be, independent observers may be tempted to ask the question “what took you so long, given the fact that infrastructure issues in Venezuela were well-known” and whether the “timing is motivated concerns over infrastructure, by concerns over safety during what might erupt into a violent crisis, or if the timing is politically motivated?”
CH/L – nsnbc 29.07.2017
Source Article from https://nsnbc.me/2017/07/29/colombias-avianca-suspends-flights-to-venezuela-citing-security/
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