With airspace closed, a lonely Christmas for many Venezuelans

WASHINGTON – Many thousands of Venezuelans have found themselves stranded abroad or alone at home this holiday, prevented from gathering with relatives after US President Donald Trump declared the airspace around Venezuela closed
more than three weeks ago.

International airlines have almost entirely halted service, leaving only a few dozen aging aircraft from Venezuela’s own carriers to take people in and out of the country of nearly 30 million. People have thronged the remaining flights, causing prices to rise.