Avianca suspends flights to Venezuela due to operational, security issues
BOGOTA, July 26 (Reuters) - Avianca said on Wednesday it will suspend flights to and from Venezuela beginning on Aug. 16, amid operational and security difficulties, the latest commercial carrier to pull out of the crisis-hit socialist country.
(update: They cancelled all flights effective today)
The Colombian airline will cancel its Bogota-Caracas-Bogota and Lima-Caracas-Lima routes, a total of three daily flights, beginning Aug. 16, it said in a statement. Customers who have already bought tickets for after that date will be fully reimbursed.
The Colombian flagship carrier is the latest airline to leave the country, further isolating Venezuelans amid widespread unrest and protests. Companies have cited everything from payment disputes to safety concerns.
United canceled its services to the country in June. Lufthansa and Air Canada have also pulled out.
Many airlines have been in protracted disputes with the government over billions of dollars of ticket sales made in the beleaguered local currency. They say President Nicolas Maduro's administration has failed to reimburse them per strict currency controls.
The International Air Transport Association said last month that Venezuela owes airlines more than $3.8 billion.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/avianca-holding-venezuela-idUSL1N1KH19S
