Overview
- The Transport Ministry cleared Eastern Airlines to operate Phoenix–Maiquetía repatriation flights on the usual Wednesday and Friday rotation, starting with two flights this week.
- The reauthorization came after a short suspension triggered when President Trump threatened to consider Venezuelan airspace “totally closed.”
- Officials said the clearance was issued on instructions from Nicolás Maduro after receiving the U.S. request.
- The FAA urged extreme caution for flights over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean, which led to cancellations and Venezuela revoking concessions for seven foreign carriers, including Plus Ultra.
- Regional friction continues as the U.S. reinforces military assets in the Caribbean, Trump convenes the National Security Council, and the White House declines to rule out military options.