CONVIASA's challenges grow with new sanctions targeting Maduro's regime
The United States has imposed new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials, including the head of state-owned airline CONVIASA, as Nicolás Maduro begins a contested term from 2025 to 2031. The measures, coordinated with Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, intensify pressure on the regime, further limiting the airline’s operations and fleet expansion amid ties to Iran.
On January 10, the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions against eight high-ranking Venezuelan officials. Among them is Ramón Celestino Velásquez Araguayán, Minister of Transportation and President of the Venezuelan Consortium of Aeronautical Industries and Air Services (CONVIASA), Venezuela’s state-owned airline.
These sanctions coincide with Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration as President of Venezuela for the 2025–2031 term. The event has been widely rejected by much of the international community and the Venezuelan opposition due to the contested results of the July 28 elections.
OFAC stated that the financial sanctions freeze assets, prohibit any type of transactions with those affected, and aim to pressure Maduro’s government. “The United States, along with its international partners, stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people’s vote for new leadership and rejects Maduro’s fraudulent claim of victory,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Similarly, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom announced coordinated measures to sanction key figures of the Venezuelan regime involved in repressive acts and human rights violations.
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CONVIASA faces growing sanctions
The state-owned airline has continued to face sanctions since being added to OFAC’s list in 2020. According to the agency, the airline “is used to transport corrupt regime officials around the world, fueling their anti-democratic efforts.”
These measures not only limit CONVIASA’s operations but also severely restrict its ability to expand or renew its fleet. Sanctions prevent the acquisition of fuel, aircraft, and spare parts. According to Cirium data, CONVIASA’s fleet includes:
- Nine Embraer 190 (six inoperative).
- Seven Cessna Caravans.
- Two Airbus A340-600 (one inoperative).
- Two Airbus A340-200.
- One Airbus A340-300 (inoperative).
Amid international restrictions, CONVIASA has turned to the Islamic Republic of Iran to keep its fleet operational. However, Iran and its airline Mahan Air, which supplies the Airbus A340 aircraft operated by CONVIASA, also face international sanctions for their involvement in transporting officials, weapons, and personnel linked to terrorist activities.
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