Venezuela Must Pay $3.7 Billion Owed to Airlines, Says IATA

Venezuela should urgently seek a solution to the $3.7 billion it owes to several international airlines, CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Tony Tyler, said during the annual meeting of his organization in Miami.

Tyler said that all countries which are members of IATA adhere to international payment agreements, except one: Venezuela. The South American country has been blocking the payments to foreign airlines for tickets bought by Venezuelans for many years now, including oil workers working in the region.

The government in Caracas uses an intricate system, after which all payments for tickets go through a single office. And there are large payment arrears totaling $3.7 billion. This goes against international treaties. One of the affected airlines is InselAir in Curacao. Many carriers have now ceased their flights to Venezuela or greatly reduced service.

“This must stop at once,” said Tyler. “Venezuela is bringing its own economy and those of other countries in danger. I urgently call on the Venezuelan government to find a solution to the aviation sector, once and for all.”

Source: Caribbean News Now