The aviation authorities of Spain and Portugal have recommended that their countries' passenger airlines not fly over Venezuelan airspace in the coming days, an air traffic control source reported.
„Spanish civil air carriers are strongly advised not to fly over Venezuelan airspace until December 1 due to the potential risk“, the agency's source noted.
According to him, the Portuguese aviation authorities have issued a similar recommendation, but it is valid until December 2. “Portuguese authorities indicate that the current conditions in the Venezuelan flight information region (FIR) could pose a serious threat to civil aircraft operating in or transiting through it“, the source noted.
At the same time, he stressed, these recommendations may not be followed by the crews in the event of an emergency on board. “In such a case, the aircraft commander may waive the recommendation to the extent necessary to prevent the emergency“, the sources noted.
The source did not specify the specific duration of these recommendations, but stressed that they have been communicated to all air carriers.
In recent months, the US military has increased its military presence off the coast of Venezuela. Washington accuses them of not being proactive enough in the fight against drug smuggling.
A strike group of ships led by the aircraft carrier “Gerald R. Ford“ is in the Caribbean Sea. Since September, the US military has sunk at least 20 motor boats, killing more than 80 people.
In addition, US President Donald Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. American media have repeatedly reported that the US may soon launch strikes on the territory of the Bolivarian Republic.