03 May 2021 | 12:45 PM UTC
Nicaragua: Several airlines continue COVID-19-related suspensions of international passenger flights as of early May /update 11
Several airlines continue suspensions of flights with Nicaragua as of early May due to dispute with government over COVID-19 requirements.
Event
Several commercial airlines continue to delay the resumption of international flight operations serving Nicaragua as of early May due to an ongoing dispute with the nation's government, over requirements it has implemented in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only Copa Airlines (CM) and Avianca Airlines (AV), as well as some charter services, are offering limited flights to and from Nicaragua.
American Airlines (AA) has confirmed the suspension of flights to Nicaragua until at least Aug. 17, while United Airlines (UA) has postponed restarting its flights until at least Oct. 30. Flights between Cuba and Nicaragua also remain canceled. Aeromexico (AM) and Spirit Airlines (NK) maintain the cancellation of their flights and have not confirmed a restarting date.
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua remains open; cargo and domestic flights continue to operate. All travelers arriving in Nicaragua must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Nonresident foreign nationals showing symptoms of the disease will not be permitted to enter, while citizens and legal residents who show symptoms are required to self-quarantine.
The government has not officially announced any closures of Nicaragua's land and sea ports of entry or any significant restrictions on domestic movements and business operations. However, some sea vessels have previously been denied entry. Disruptions to travel at land, sea, and air ports of entry will likely persist despite the borders being opened. Heightened screening measures at the land borders could cause some delays to cargo transportation and other cross-border travel. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.
Context
Airlines have repeatedly postponed restarting flights since September 2020. The postponements are linked to very tight restrictions implemented by the Nicaraguan government amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which most carriers are unable or unwilling to meet.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for potential cross-border travel delays.
