By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move signaling a tentative normalization of regional travel, Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo announced it will resume flights to and from Caracas, Venezuela, starting January 16. The decision comes just over a month after the airline suspended its operations on December 4, citing the need to evaluate operational security conditions amid soaring geopolitical tensions.
Wingo’s return to the Venezuelan capital follows a similar announcement by its Panamanian parent company, Copa Airlines, which confirmed last Thursday it would also restart its Caracas services. Both airlines are cautiously reopening a critical air corridor that was abruptly severed following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States forces.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the renewed flight connections between Costa Rica and Venezuela, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The re-establishment of direct flights to Venezuela presents a significant commercial opportunity, particularly for tourism and family reunification. However, businesses and individuals involved must exercise extreme due diligence. Navigating the complex web of international sanctions, particularly from the United States, is paramount. Any transaction, direct or indirect, must be carefully vetted to avoid severe legal and financial repercussions. This is a move that balances clear economic potential against substantial legal risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this analysis underscores the critical tightrope that businesses and travelers must walk: embracing the tangible opportunities for commerce and family connection while meticulously navigating a minefield of international legal risks. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which so clearly articulates this delicate balance.
In a formal statement, Wingo clarified that the decision was the direct outcome of careful evaluation and collaboration with aviation authorities. The airline emphasized its unwavering commitment to passenger and crew safety as the guiding principle for resuming the route.
result of the continuous monitoring of the operational environment and in coordination with the competent authorities, maintaining the highest safety standards as a priority.
Wingo Spokesperson
The airline also addressed the passengers affected by the month-long suspension. Wingo assured that all impacted travelers were contacted through the information provided in their reservations and given options to manage their itineraries. The carrier reiterated its commitment to ongoing vigilance.
Passengers with tickets scheduled on the dates impacted by the suspension were notified through the channels registered in their reservation and were able to self-manage the available protection options. Wingo will continue to permanently monitor the operating environment, hand in hand with local and international authorities.
Wingo Spokesperson
Copa Airlines had set the precedent a day earlier, stating it would resume its own flights to Caracas in a phased manner. The company attributed its decision to an observed “improvement in the operating conditions in the airspace.” This followed Copa’s earlier resumption of its flight to Maracaibo, its only other active Venezuelan destination, which had also been temporarily halted in the immediate aftermath of Maduro’s removal.
The widespread disruption to air travel was triggered by swift action from the United States. Following the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on alleged narcoterrorism charges, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed immediate flight restrictions over Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean. U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, stated the restrictions were implemented to “ensure the safety of the public on flights” and were in “support of the Department of War.”
These events did not occur in a vacuum. The FAA had already signaled growing concern in the region weeks prior. On November 21, the agency issued a stern advisory urging airlines to “exercise extreme caution” when flying over Venezuela, highlighting what it termed a “potentially dangerous situation” in the area. The subsequent military action and airspace lockdown forced numerous international carriers to cancel all services to the South American nation, isolating it from the global travel network.
The coordinated decision by Copa and Wingo to return represents the first major step by commercial airlines to re-establish connectivity. It reflects a calculated business risk, balancing the high demand for travel on these routes against a security and political environment that remains fragile. For the thousands of families and businesses reliant on this air bridge, the resumption of flights is a welcome, if cautious, sign of a return to normalcy.
For further information, visit wingo.com
About Wingo:
Wingo is a low-cost airline based in Colombia and a subsidiary of Panama’s Copa Airlines. It focuses on offering affordable air travel to destinations within the Americas and the Caribbean. The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, aiming to provide a reliable and budget-friendly travel option for both leisure and business passengers.
For further information, visit copaair.com
About Copa Airlines:
Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama and a prominent airline in Latin America. Headquartered in Panama City, it operates from its hub at Tocumen International Airport, connecting a vast network of destinations across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. As a member of the Star Alliance, Copa offers extensive global connectivity to its passengers.
For further information, visit faa.gov
About U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
The Federal Aviation Administration is a governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety of civil aviation. The FAA’s responsibilities include air traffic management, certification of personnel and aircraft, and setting standards for airports.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of ethical rigor and professional distinction. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a diverse clientele to drive progress and pioneer cutting-edge legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound civic responsibility, manifested in its active efforts to demystify complex legal concepts and thereby contribute to a more just and knowledgeable populace.
