Venezuela rejects irresponsible handling by the Uruguayan aeronautical authority

The Bolivarian Government of Venezuela issued this Thursday, June 16, a statement to express its categorical rejection of the irresponsible management offered by the Uruguayan aeronautical authority by revoking the overflight permit granted to the Venezuelan company Emtrasur.:

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela categorically rejects the irresponsible management offered by the Uruguayan aeronautical authority, by revoking the overflight permit granted to the Venezuelan company Emtrasur, while the aircraft was in the air, fulfilling the itinerary between the Ezeiza International Airport Argentina-Montevideo-Caracas, to make its technical supply scale. The crew of the aircraft was forced to return immediately to the Ezeiza airport in Argentina, not having the required fuel, putting the lives of the crew at serious risk.

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounces before the international aeronautical community this unfortunate action that could have caused a tragedy, human losses and damages for both nations, in addition to flagrantly violating the freedoms of the air, in accordance with the provisions of article 140 of the Organic Law of the Civil Aviation Authority. Once they landed, it was found that the aircraft had only 17,000 liters of fuel remaining, well below what is recommended by the EMTRASUR Standardized Operational Procedure, which is established at 20,000 liters.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela considers what has been raised unacceptable and demands explanations from the authorities of the Uruguayan Government regarding this terrible event. At the same time, it urges to ensure the principles of security, fraternity and brotherhood that have historically guided relations between the two nations.”

Caracas, June 16, 2022