Latin American carriers weigh return to Venezuela as diplomatic channels reopen
Airlines in the region are showing renewed interest in resuming flights to Caracas, but damaged airport infrastructure and outdated regulations stand in the way, according to industry association ALTA.
Latin American airlines are looking again at flying to Caracas now that diplomatic channels have reopened, though operational and regulatory problems are still unresolved, according to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA).
ALTA head Peter Cerdá told a press conference on Sunday that Venezuela has considerable long-term appeal because of its geographic position. He called the market one with major opportunities. Interest is not confined to a single operator or region, he said, noting that airlines from the United States, Europe and the Middle East have also turned their attention back to the country.
Obstacles remain. The source material puts the state of infrastructure at Maiquetía, the main international gateway outside Caracas, as an immediate priority, describing the facility as severely affected by deadly earthquakes in June and in need of reconstruction.
Industry executives also say the current aviation rules need substantial updating before a broad and competitive recovery is possible. Emergency priorities are competing with that work, according to the association.
Sources
- aviacionaldia.comALTA: Aerolíneas evalúan el retorno a Venezuela ante la reapertura diplomática, pero persisten retos operativos e infraestructurales