Venezuela has closed its airspace to all flights originating from Argentina, announced Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on social media platform X.
This decision comes in response to the seizure of a Venezuelan airline, Conviasa’s aircraft, demanding compensation for the incurred damages.
Foreign Minister Gil emphasized that repeated warnings had been issued to the government of Argentine President Javier Milei.
He accused Argentina of harming their airline illegally to please their northern protectors, stating no flights to or from Argentina would be allowed through Venezuela’s airspace until the damage is compensated.
In response, Argentine Presidency’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, stated at a press conference that Argentina would initiate diplomatic actions against Venezuela’s decision. Adorni highlighted that measures would be taken under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) due to the violation of the International Civil Aviation Convention.
The conflict traces back to August 12, 2022, when Argentina, upon request from the USA, seized a Venezuelan aircraft. The plane, intended to return to Caracas on June 7, could not complete its flight due to insufficient fuel and was forced to return to Argentina after being denied refueling in Uruguay due to airspace closure.
The US had announced the seizure of a Boeing 747 cargo plane belonging to a Venezuelan cargo company, purchased from Iran’s Mahan Air, citing “export restrictions related to Iran.” In 2019, the US Treasury Department had sanctioned Mahan Air, linking it to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed on February 16 that the cargo plane was stolen through collaboration between Argentina and the USA. During a press conference, Maduro accused the US of theft, with Argentine assistance, stating the aircraft belonging to “Emtrasur” was seized and later dismantled, as reported by the media.
