Conviasa condemns eight‑hour passenger hold after flight diverted to Jamaica

The Venezuelan state airline Conviasa announced that a commercial flight on the Cancun‑Maiquetía route was forced to land in Jamaica due to an “unexpected diversion” that did not respect operational permits. Passengers were kept on the aircraft for more than eight hours in what Conviasa described as “conditions of uncertainty” without adequate assistance, citing deficiencies in airport services and ground support. The airline labelled the treatment “unacceptable” and issued a strong rebuke of the Jamaican authorities, accusing them of failing to guarantee minimum assistance and dignified treatment. Conviasa said the incident was not caused by its crew or the aircraft and pledged to pursue actions before national and international bodies to protect the affected travelers and clarify the circumstances. The statements also referenced previous tensions, noting Jamaica’s “hostile conduct” toward Venezuela, including the 2019 dispute over the Petrojam refinery shareholding.