The DOT has suspended air service between the U.S. and
Venezuela.
The order, signed by DOT secretary Elaine Chao on Wednesday,
came at the behest of acting homeland security secretary Kevin McAleenan, who
concluded that conditions in Venezuela threaten the safety and security of
passenger, aircraft and crew.
The order comes amid continued political instability in the
South American nation, where opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is backed by
the U.S. and dozens of other nations, is seeking to wrest power from the
government of Nicolas Maduro.
American Airlines became the last U.S. carrier to halt
service to Venezuela when it did so in late March. However, Venezuela’s Avior
and Estelar airlines have continued to serve Miami, according to Flight Connections.