Directed By Their Union To Cease All Flight Operations Into That country

In light of the U.S. State Department's Level 4 Travel Advisory issued regarding Venezuela, APA president CA Dan Carey (pictured) directs all APA pilots to cease flight operations into Venezuela. In its Travel Advisory, the U.S. Department of State cites "crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens." The Travel Advisory also notes that "violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, is common," and recommends that U.S. residents "traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela." The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has suspended operations and has withdrawn diplomatic personnel from Venezuela, and is not providing any consular services.

"Until further notice, if you are scheduled, assigned, or reassigned a pairing into Venezuela, refuse the assignment by calling your Chief Pilot or IOC Duty Pilot (682-315-4340). Inform them that you are refusing the assignment in accordance with the direction of the U.S. Department of State," the union's notice states.

In its travel advisory, the U.S. State Department said:

"Do not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. Some areas have increased risk.

"On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas is not providing any consular services. U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Venezuela should depart Venezuela.  Commercial flights remain available.

"Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, is common.

"Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice. Demonstrations typically elicit a strong police and security force response that includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons, and rubber bullets against participants and occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.

"There are shortages of food, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies throughout much of Venezuela. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 3 ‘Avoid Nonessential Travel’ notice on May 15, 2018 due to inadequate healthcare and the breakdown of the medical infrastructure in Venezuela. Consular access to detained U.S. citizens who also have Venezuelan nationality is severely restricted by the Venezuelan government.

"Security forces have arbitrarily detained U.S. citizens for long periods. The U.S. Department of State may not be notified of the detention of a U.S. citizen, and consular access to detainees may be denied or severely delayed.

"The safety and security of U.S. citizens is our highest priority."

(Source: APA notice to pilots and U.S. State Department. Images from file)

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org, travel.state.gov