Country retaliates against U.S. carriers

The Transportation Security Administration is warning U.S. air travelers that it cannot be certain Venezuela’s airports are safe – not because it has any specific evidence to that end, but because U.S. officials cannot inspect them. “Venezuela has refused multiple requests to allow for such assessments, which are required by U.S. law, and the agency is taking action to warn travelers of this security deficiency,” TSA said. The agency ordered airlines serving Venezuela form the U.S. to notify travelers of the situation “in writing,” and to post notices at U.S. airports. The agency said it will continue to press Venezuelan officials for an opportunity to conduct the required inspections, which are intended to determine if the country’s airports meet the safety standards set down by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Shortly after the U.S. issued its advisory, Reuters reported that the Venezuelan government ordered U.S. carriers to cut back their flight schedules to that country, effective later this month.