Venezuelan Gov’t temporarily suspends operations of Copa Airlines

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has published in its Official Gazette, dated April 5, 2018, the suspension of the economic, commercial and financial relationship with subjects of the Republic of Panama, which includes the suspension of Copa Airlines’ flights to Venezuela for a period of 90 days with possible renewal.

According to an article published by Reuters, President Nicolas Maduro targeted Copa along with other Panamanian companies, and other government officials one week after Panama put Maduro and some 50 Venezuelan nationals on a list of those considered “high risk” for money laundering and financing terrorism. In announcing its action on Thursday, Venezuela said those on its list pose a risk to its financial systems.

A statement from Copa Airlines today noted that in order to assist passengers who have scheduled flights to and from Venezuela in the next 90 days, there is an offer of a reimbursement option, without penalties, of the total value of unused airline tickets.

“Passengers who may have initiated their flight are eligible to receive reimbursement without penalties for the unused route,” the airlines stated.

Additionally, passengers who prefer to change their final destination may do so without cost by April 20, must travel before July 4, and are subject to seat availability and the following criteria:

• Passengers flying between North America and Mexico and Venezuela may change their final destination to any of the airline’s destinations in Panama, Central America, the Caribbean, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

• Passengers flying between Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile and Venezuela may change their final destination to any of the airline’s destinations in Panama, Central America, the Caribbean, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Miami.

• Passengers flying between Central America, Panama, the Caribbean, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela may change their final destination to of the airline’s destinations in Panama, Central America, the Caribbean, Guyana, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Miami.

According to the airline, due to the volume of passengers affected by this measure, the reimbursement process may take longer than usual.

“Copa apologizes for the inconveniences that may arise from these external events affecting the airline. Copa Airlines reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of its passengers, so it will take all steps that are within its reach to provide assistance to its passengers and reduce the impact that this measure has had on their trips.”

According to the Reuters article, “recently, various international airlines have abandoned Venezuela, citing insecurity and currency issues, which make it hard for them to repatriate profits. Copa was one of the few that continued operating flights, and its temporary suspension further isolates the country.”

Reuters noted that Venezuela is experiencing a severe crisis amid an economic recession, hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicine that have left millions seeking to abandon the country.