US Approves American Airlines Venezuela Flights

All commercial passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela were initially suspended in May 2019. The Trump administration cited safety and security concerns amid the political and social unrest in the South American nation as the reason for the suspension. The decision to re-establish this air link follows a dramatic shift in US-Venezuela relations, including the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation in January 2026. Subsequent discussions between the U.S. and the new Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, led to the reopening of Venezuelan airspace. American Airlines will be the first U.S. carrier to resume service, with daily nonstop flights from Miami to both Caracas and Maracaibo. The routes will be operated by its regional subsidiary, Envoy Air, utilizing Embraer regional jets. A specific start date for the flights has not yet been announced. Prior to the approval, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration conducted a review of security procedures at the airport in Caracas. American Airlines, which had operated in Venezuela for over 30 years before the 2019 suspension, was the largest U.S. carrier serving the country. The Venezuelan government has welcomed the reopening of its airspace, with acting President Delcy Rodríguez publicly encouraging airlines and investors to return to the country. In response to the lifting of restrictions, Venezuelan carrier Laser Airlines has also renewed its application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate flights to Miami. Despite the resumption of commercial flights, the U.S. State Department continues to advise American citizens against travel to Venezuela, maintaining a "Do Not Travel" advisory due to ongoing safety concerns.