María Corina Machado denied flight permits for the third time this week

María Corina Machado tried to return to Venezuela from Panama three times this week, her team said, and each time she was stopped: private flights denied landing permission in Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba, transit points to Venezuelan territory.

Chavismo denied responsibility. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was unaware of any block, while Machado had told the Wall Street Journal that "it's time to return" because she cannot lead the process from exile.

«That's not right, for God's sake.»— Jorge Rodríguez, September 26, 2026 · watch

«I'm not aware of that.»— Marco Rubio, September 26, 2026 · watch