Venezuela grants Turkish Airlines rights for Istanbul-Caracas-Lima route

Venezuela has officially granted Turkish Airlines permission to operate the Istanbul-Caracas-Lima air route. The authorization, known as the "Fifth Freedom of the Air," allows the Turkish carrier to transport passengers and cargo between Venezuela and Peru as part of a single international itinerary.

Transport Minister Jacqueline Faría announced the decision on social media, stating that the license was formally presented to Turkey's ambassador in Caracas, Aydan Karamanoğlu, and airline representatives. This meeting aimed to expand cooperation opportunities between the two nations.

The new route is intended to bolster Venezuela's international connectivity, stimulate trade, and facilitate integration with new regional markets. However, officials have not yet specified the start date for operations. The "Fifth Freedom of the Air" is a commercial right in international aviation that permits an airline to carry passengers, cargo, and mail between two foreign countries, provided the flight originates from or is destined for the airline's home country. This mechanism helps airlines optimize routes and broaden their commercial reach.

With this approval, Turkish Airlines can now offer flights from Istanbul with a stopover in Caracas before continuing to Lima. This provides new travel and business connections, strengthening economic and transport ties between Turkey, Venezuela, and Peru, and enhancing mobility options between Europe and Latin America.