Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Air Canada suspends its flights to Venezuela due to civil unrest

CP27627427
An Air Canada passenger jet takes off in Halifax on Jan. 21, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

CARACAS, Venezuela – Air Canada says it has suspended its flights to and from Venezuela due to civil unrest.

In a statement posted on its website, the airline says it can no longer ensure the safety of its operation in Venezuela, which has been roiled by daily street protests over crime and a deteriorating economy for more than a month.

The airline’s last flight left Caracas on Sunday. It is offering refunds to those who have purchased tickets for flights after that.

Foreign airlines have struggled under a $3.3 billion debt owed by the Venezuelan government.

President Nicolas Maduro said Friday any airline that reduced or suspended flights in and out of Venezuela would face severe measures. He said any airline that leaves won’t be allowed back while he is in power.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles