Venezuela enacted an airspace ban on flights to and from Argentina, awaiting compensation for Conviasa’s subsidiary Emtrasur over its aircraft detained since June 2022.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil declared the country’s firm stance. He insists on full control over its airspace and demands reparations for what he views as harmful, unjust actions.
The disagreement started with an Emtrasur plane landing in Argentina, reportedly delivering car parts for Volkswagen. Sanction fears stopped its refueling, leaving the plane grounded.
The plane, a Boeing 747-3B3, had Venezuelan and Iranian crew members. It came from Mahan Air, an Iranian firm under U.S. sanctions for suspected terrorism links, say AMIA and DAIA.
An effort to refuel in Uruguay on June 8 failed, making the plane return to Buenos Aires. However, an Argentine court allowed the crew to leave in October, easing some tensions.
Background
In June 2022, an Emtrasur flight, operated by a subsidiary of Venezuela’s Conviasa, landed in Argentina, marking the start of a significant diplomatic incident.
The aircraft, reportedly transporting auto parts for Volkswagen, became the center of controversy when it could not refuel due to concerns over U.S. sanctions.
This refusal stemmed from the plane’s ties to Mahan Air of Iran, sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged terrorism links.
With a mixed crew of Venezuelans and Iranians, the plane’s grounding in Buenos Aires highlighted the far-reaching impact of international sanctions and strained relations between nations.
An attempt to refuel in Uruguay also failed, leaving the aircraft stranded until an Argentine court later allowed the crew to depart.
This event underscores the complexities of global politics and the aviation industry’s vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.