The U.S. Department of Transportation fined Copa Airlines $450,000 for unlawfully transporting passengers between the United States and Venezuela via a stopover point. Copa was ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations.  

As the government of Panamá announced the closing of its airspace to international passenger arrivals beginning Sunday, until April 21, Panamanian regional carrier Copa Airlines (NYSE: CPA) announced that it has been forced to cancel all flights so will temporarily cease operations.