CARACAS, Venezuela — U.S. authorities downgraded Venezuela's aviation rating Friday, saying the crisis-torn nation isn't able to meet basic international standards for airline safety. The Federal Aviation Administration said it recently performed an “extensive review” of Venezuela's civil aviation authority, leading to the status change. “The Venezuelan regime does not comply” with international standards, the FAA statement said. Venezuela's aviation authorities either lack regulations needed to oversee their carriers at a minimum standard or they don't have adequate expertise, training or inspection procedures, among safety concerns, the FAA stated. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the Trump administration cut diplomatic ties earlier this year after the U.S. backed opposition leader Juan Guaido's bid launched in January to oust the socialist leader.

Source: International New York Times December 13, 2019 23:03 UTC