Background on Wingo and its Parent Company
Wingo, a low-cost subsidiary of the Panamanian airline Copa Airlines, has announced the resumption of flights between Bogotá, Colombia, and Caracas, Venezuela. The flights were initially suspended on December 5 due to security concerns following the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.
Timeline of Events Leading to Resumption
- December 5: Wingo suspends flights between Bogotá and Caracas in response to U.S. attacks on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.
- Late December: Copa Airlines, Wingo’s parent company, announces the resumption of operations in Venezuela.
- January 3: Following U.S. bombings in Caracas and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifts restrictions on commercial airlines flying over the Caribbean.
- January 16: Wingo announces the resumption of daily flights between Bogotá and Caracas.
Impact on Other Airlines and Passengers
Alongside Wingo, several other airlines temporarily suspended their flights due to the security concerns. These included Spanish carriers Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra; Portuguese airline TAP; Colombian airline Avianca; Brazilian carrier GOL; and Chilean Latam, as well as Turkish Airlines. The resumption of Wingo’s flights now provides more travel options for passengers between Bogotá and Caracas.
Wingo’s Commitment to Safety
In a statement, Wingo emphasized that the decision to resume flights was based on continuous operational monitoring and adherence to the highest safety standards. This commitment to passenger security is crucial for regaining traveler confidence in the region.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Wingo? Wingo is a low-cost subsidiary of Copa Airlines, based in Colombia.
- Why were flights suspended? Flights were temporarily halted due to U.S. military actions and security concerns in the Caribbean.
- Which other airlines were affected? Several airlines, including Iberia, Air Europa, TAP, Avianca, GOL, Latam, and Turkish Airlines, temporarily suspended their flights.
- When did Wingo decide to resume flights? Wingo announced the resumption of daily flights between Bogotá and Caracas starting January 16.
- What safety measures has Wingo implemented? Wingo stated that they are monitoring operations continuously and prioritizing the highest safety standards.
