The rescheduling and cancellation of flights not only affects passengers, but has also caused delays and adjustments in the logistics chain connecting South American countries. The changes to travel routes and the suspension of overflight permits particularly impact sectors of the economy that rely on the rapid exchange of goods and the flow of tourists in the Colombia-Venezuela corridor. According to Europa Press, SATENA’s operational decision represents one of the last emergency measures following international warnings about the reliability of air navigation systems.
SATENA, Colombia’s state-owned airline, announced the temporary suspension of its flights to Venezuela, without specifying a date for resuming operations. As Europa Press reports, this decision comes after a technical alert from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding possible risks to the safety of aircraft operating on routes over the Caribbean. The FAA’s publication motivated various aviation operators and authorities in the region to review their procedures and safety measures, resulting in immediate and coordinated responses across the industry.
The state-owned company justified this measure by the need to protect both passengers and crew and guaranteed that the resumption of operations would be conditional on international guarantees proving the integrity of air traffic control systems. As Europa Press reports, SATENA shared via its official account
The FAA recently warned of interference and technical risks that could affect satellite navigation of aircraft flying on Caribbean routes, including those directly connecting Colombia and Venezuela. Based on this statement, various airlines in the region have taken measures similar to SATENA. The affected companies include Wingo, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Copa Airlines, as well as the cancellation of permits for several international airlines by the Venezuelan Civil Aviation Authority.
Europa Press reported that Wingo decided to extend the suspension of its route between Bogotá and Caracas until December 12, while Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) suspended its flights to Venezuela from September 4. Copa Airlines also suspended flights between Panama and Venezuela, following precautionary guidelines suggested by the FAA. At the same time, Venezuelan authorities have temporarily invalidated flight permits for companies such as Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Avianca, Latam Airlines Colombia, GOL, Plus Ultra and Air Europa.
The technical alert issued by the FAA, as described by Europa Press, had a widespread impact in the region, motivating operators and regulators to coordinate immediate responses and make the restoration of services contingent on the existence of reports certifying the full reliability of navigation equipment and systems. According to media information, SATENA emphasized that the operational protection and safety of all people involved in the flights have absolute priority and a possible reactivation will only be possible if international organizations confirm the technical stability in the air traffic control network.
As Europa Press details, the context created by the decline in flights has a direct impact on connectivity between Colombia and Venezuela, affecting passenger flows and business dynamics, as well as the logistics of cargo transportation. Operators, passengers and economic sectors remain attentive to the outcome of the technical situation and possible future regulations or international communications.
Venezuelan authorities have not disseminated any public comments or official positions on the international technical alert or the suspension of flights with other countries. Europa Press mentioned that this formal silence comes in an environment characterized by active monitoring and coordination between airlines, regulators and technical teams from different jurisdictions.
Civil aviation authorities and organizations in the region are continually monitoring the circumstances, Europa Press highlights, in order to adapt their policies and respond to any relevant developments regarding air traffic control. Regular monitoring of technical developments and active interaction between operators are intended to minimize the adverse effects of flight suspension in order to protect users, flight crews and assets involved in international air traffic.
SATENA reiterated – always as published by Europa Press – its commitment to strict compliance with international standards and regulations in the constant assessment of internal protocols and clarified that its actions respond to legal and regulatory considerations specific to the aviation sector. Meanwhile, air connectivity between South America and Venezuela remains restricted pending official results and certifications guaranteeing the safe continuity of international routes.