The fear of not being able to return to Nicaragua is preventing many Nicaraguans from leaving the country, and this problem is no longer something new. In recent years, the Nicaraguan regime has blocked the entry of critical citizens, exiles, and even people with no clear political affiliation, arbitrarily denying them the right to return to their homeland. This action has sown a paralyzing fear among those considering traveling, whether for tourism, studies, or a simple family visit.

According to a report by La Prensa it is estimated that at least 15 people are prevented from entering Nicaragua every day, even from countries such as Europe or within Central America. Before each flight, airlines must send the passenger list to the Nicaraguan government, which arbitrarily decides who can enter. In some cases, people are notified during international stopovers that they will not be able to board their flight to Managua because they lack authorization from the regime, which amounts to de facto exile.

This situation not only affects the daily lives and freedom of movement of thousands of people, but also severely impacts the country’s economy. Travel agencies have seen their ticket sales plummet, and airlines are facing historically low occupancy rates. For example, Avianca reduced its daily flights to Miami and restructured its offering, opening a new route to San José, in an attempt to adapt to the low demand.

In the tourist sector, the numbers are alarming. In 2024, tourism revenue in Nicaragua fell by $228 million cordobas compared to the previous year. There were 116,800 fewer visitors, and those who did arrive stayed less and spent less. Added to this was the dismantling of more than 70 charter flight routes following the US intervention, which accused the regime of using the airport as a conduit to facilitate irregular migration heading north.

The regime has not only limited individual freedoms, but is now severely impacting tourism and the airline industry. People are afraid to cross the airport because it can cost them their nationality, their roots, and their right to return home. And this is hurting the lives of thousands of people. It’s no longer just the fear of persecution if they stay in Nicaragua, but also the risk of exile if they decide to leave.

Thus, Nicaragua is not closing due to a lack of flights, but due to excessive fear.