Miguel Mejía: Dominican Republic also pushed to resume flights with Venezuela

Santo Domingo.- Miguel Mejía, secretary general of the United Left Movement, stated that the recent reopening of air travel between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela was not solely a decision by the Venezuelan government. According to him, it was the result of diplomatic efforts by Dominican authorities and demands from various sectors within the country.

His comments follow Sunday’s announcement by Venezuela’s National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) confirming the resumption of flights, which had been suspended for nearly a year by order of President Nicolás Maduro. While President Luis Abinader said on Monday that the Dominican government is still evaluating Venezuela’s proposal, Mejía argued that negotiations began well before that statement.

He pointed out that Dominican diplomats initiated talks during various international forums, aiming to restore not only air travel but also consular relations with Venezuela. Mejía suggested a possible communication gap between diplomatic efforts and the information presented to the president.

Mejía also referenced the response to the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, where several Venezuelans lost their lives. During the repatriation coordination, Dominican officials reportedly used the opportunity to address the resumption of flights. Since then, multiple institutional contacts have advanced the proposal, supported by sectors of Dominican society and the Venezuelan diaspora living in the country.