The Daily Journal.— Francis L. Donovan, commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), denied on Tuesday that U.S. forces have taken control of Simón Bolívar International Airport in La Guaira state.
Speaking during a virtual press conference, the senior military officer emphasized that the U.S. contingent has one mission: to help channel humanitarian assistance that continues to arrive in Venezuela following the recent earthquake emergency.
“What we’re doing is supporting air traffic control (ATC). We make sure aircraft land and take off safely, which is essential. We also provide ground operations, cargo handling, and storage for humanitarian relief supplies. That’s where we’re focusing our efforts at the airport right now,” Donovan said.
Humanitarian logistics and bilateral coordination
Donovan explained that operations at Venezuela’s main international airport and its ports will continue to focus exclusively on logistics and technical support for as long as the emergency requires.
“For now, we’ll continue concentrating on air transport, logistics, and other transportation services until humanitarian assistance is no longer needed. We’re also helping manage ports and airports so they can receive additional aid, move it efficiently, and focus on the work we can do in coordination with the leadership of the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Venezuela,” the general said.
Efforts underway to restore commercial flights
John Barrett, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Caracas, also took part in the media briefing and outlined the technical and diplomatic efforts now underway to restore normal commercial air service across Venezuela.
Barrett said officials have already opened communication channels with commercial airlines, private-sector stakeholders, and U.S. aviation regulators.
“We’ve been working with the airlines to restore operations. Some infrastructure work still needs to take place to support commercial activity at Maiquetía Airport,” he explained.
He added that officials are also evaluating the gradual reopening of routes to other airports nationwide.
“We’re also coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the two U.S. government agencies responsible for supporting the resumption of commercial flights, including international service to Valencia, for example,” Barrett said.
