Venezuela closes airspace to Argentina over cargo plane seizure in 2022

Venezuela closes airspace to Argentina amid cargo plane seizure fallout, which Argentina claims is a move that violates international aviation norms

Venezuela closed its airspace to all flights either originating from or destined for Argentina. This move is in direct response to the seizure of a Venezuelan cargo plane in 2022.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated that no aircraft from Argentina will be permitted to fly over Venezuelan territory until proper compensation is provided for the damages caused. He emphasized that the seizure was carried out solely to appease interests from the northern countries.

In reaction to Venezuela’s decision, Argentina announced its intention to pursue diplomatic actions. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni noted that they will take steps within the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) due to what they see as a violation of international aviation norms.

What happened?

The cargo plane, a Boeing 747-type aircraft, was seized by Argentina on Aug. 12, 2022, at the request of the United States. The U.S. claimed that the plane, purchased by a Venezuelan cargo company from Iran’s Mahan Air, was seized because it violated the “export restrictions regarding Iran.”

In 2019, U.S. Department of Treasury included the Iranian airline Mahan Air in its sanctions list over alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#