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Air Canada suspends Venezuela flights over security concerns

Air Canada flights to and from Venezuela have been suspended amid security concerns in the Latin American country.


Twenty-nine people have been killed in six weeks of protests against high inflation, crime and the shortage of many staples in Venezuela.


The airline said it would consider resuming operations once the situation in the country had stabilised.


Air Canada operated three return flights a week between Toronto and Caracas.


The airline said: “Due to ongoing civil unrest in Venezuela, Air Canada can no longer ensure the safety of its operation and has suspended flights to Caracas until further notice.”


Several international airlines have reduced operations in recent weeks in Venezuela, but their main grievance has been the government’s tight currency controls.


International airlines say the government of Nicolas Maduro owes them more than $3 billion.


Tough foreign currency controls make it difficult for foreign airlines to repatriate money obtained from ticket sales in Venezuela.


Ecuadorean airline Tame suspended flights to Venezuela in Janaury, demanding $43 million – one third of the company’s yearly revenue – in overdue payments for tickets, the BBC reported.


The latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advisory to Venezuela warns of political demonstrations in most major cities.


“Some of these demonstrations have been violent, with roadblocks on main streets and avenues, and have included the use of firearms. There have been injuries and deaths,” the FCO said.


There are no direct flights from the UK to Venezuela.

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