Curaçao Denied Landing Request for Machado Aircraft
A flight attempting to transport María Corina Machado to Venezuela was denied entry by Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Air Travel
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Authorities in Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire have reportedly denied landing requests for a private aircraft carrying Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. The aircraft, which was scheduled to transport Machado from Panama to Curaçao, ultimately did not depart.
Why it matters
Machado has made seven attempts to return to Venezuela, and this recent denial highlights the complex regulatory hurdles facing non-scheduled flights in the region. Traveling between these islands and Venezuela requires specific authorizations that remain a significant barrier for her return.
Private and charter flights must request landing authorization in Curaçao at least 48 hours before departure. Additionally, non-scheduled flights between Curaçao and Venezuela require explicit authorization from Venezuela's civil aviation authority, INAC.
The players
María Corina Machado
She is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader who has sought to return to her home country.
Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority
This is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and authorizing non-scheduled flight arrivals.
INAC
This is Venezuela's national civil aviation authority that mandates additional authorization for non-scheduled flights.
The details
Machado reportedly attempted to travel to Venezuela three times within a 24-hour period this week. In a previous incident in June 2026, she abandoned a travel attempt through Curaçao after the Dutch ambassador in Washington withdrew offered cooperation.
Timeline
June 2026: Machado abandoned a prior travel attempt through Curaçao.
September 22, 2026: The reported landing denials occurred.
Within 24 hours of September 22, 2026: Machado made three attempts to travel to Venezuela.
Travel Outlook
The flight denials underscore the strict adherence to current civil aviation protocols governing non-scheduled transit between these territories and Venezuela. These operational constraints often dictate the feasibility of travel routes regardless of the political intent behind the passenger.
Travelers using private or charter aviation must ensure all specific landing authorizations are secured at least 48 hours in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions. It is critical to confirm that all required international transit permissions are in place for non-scheduled flight paths.
The takeaway
Navigating international airspace requires strict compliance with pre-departure authorization timelines and cross-border regulatory approvals. Travelers relying on non-scheduled flights should verify that all required permits are confirmed long before the scheduled departure date.
Further reading
For more information on the complexities of international flight regulations, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Curaçao Chronicle.
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