Continental Reassures on Venezuela

Continental Airlines said it would try to accommodate travel needs of passengers flying to and from Caracas through its extensive network into the region, just in case the Venezuela government decides to formally suspend the operating rights of U.S. airlines on March 30. The U.S. and Venezuela governments have been trading political barbs and threats for months, and the battle has spilled over into aviation. Venezuela has threatened to shut down major U.S. flights to and from the South American country. Continental said, if that occurs, it would allow passengers to exchange tickets without penalties and to get full refunds. At this time, Continental stressed, however, that noflights have been canceled and operations are continuing normally. Continental alsosaid it remains committed to the Venezuela market and hopes that the negotiations between Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) and the FAA will develop positively in the next days.