Lisbon, Nov. 27, 2025 (Lusa) - Portugal's flag carrier TAP said on Thursday that the lack of safety conditions, imposed by its internal standards and by the regulator, does not allow it to fly to Venezuela at the moment, ensuring that it wants to continue to serve the diaspora in that region.
"TAP has been flying to Venezuela for almost 50 years and wants to continue serving the community and the national diaspora in that region. However, it cannot do so at the moment due to a lack of safety conditions imposed both by its internal standards and by ANAC [National Civil Aviation Authority]," the airline said in a written response sent to Lusa on Thursday.
The Venezuelan government carried out its threat and revoked the operating licences of several international airlines, including TAP, accusing them of "joining in the acts of terrorism" promoted by the US.
Hours after the deadline set by the Venezuelan authorities for the airlines, the Venezuelan Ministry of Transport and the country's National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) announced on Thursday the decision, which affects Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol.
The minister of Infrastructure and housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, reacted today by stating that "the Portuguese Government does not give in to threats, ultimatums or pressure of any kind" in a post on social media, accompanied by an image related to Venezuela's revocation of TAP's licence and another about Ryanair's threat to leave the Azores from March.
"In civil aviation, as in all strategic areas, Portugal respects international rules, best safety practices and coordination with the relevant aeronautical authorities," reads Miguel Pinto Luz's post.
The minister also stressed that Portugal "is a free, sovereign and responsible country" and that the government will "always act with serenity, firmness and a sense of statehood".
Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol had cancelled flights to and from Caracas after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended on the previous day that commercial airlines "exercise extreme caution" when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean due to what it considers "a potentially dangerous situation in the region".
Shortly before the announcement, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reiterated that the country's government "decides who flies and who does not fly" and "reserves the right of admission".
"The national government, in a sovereign decision, told the airlines: if you do not resume flights within 48 hours, do not resume them at all. You can keep your planes, and we will maintain our dignity, and that's it, no problem," he said.
MPE/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
