American Airlines Resumes Venezuela Flights
American Airlines just got approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to resume flights to Venezuela — the first scheduled service since 2019. The carrier suspended operations for safety and diplomatic reasons, but now travelers with family and business ties can book direct routes again. American is expected to publish schedules soon.
The suspension of flights by U.S. carriers in 2019 was a direct result of escalating political tensions and a deteriorating security situation in Venezuela. The U.S. government severed diplomatic ties with the government of Nicolás Maduro and recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the interim president. Citing safety and security concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a "Do Not Fly" order for U.S. aircraft in Venezuelan airspace. American Airlines was the last U.S. carrier to fly to Venezuela before the ban, having operated in the country for over 30 years and previously being the largest U.S. airline serving the nation. The airline suspended its routes between Miami and Caracas, as well as the city of Maracaibo, in March 2019. The recent approval for flight resumption follows a significant shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations. In January 2026, a U.S. military operation resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Following this, the Trump administration has backed acting President Delcy Rodríguez, leading to the reopening of diplomatic channels and a reassessment of sanctions and travel restrictions. The newly approved daily, non-stop service will be operated by Envoy Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines. The initial routes will connect Miami with Caracas and Maracaibo, utilizing Embraer regional jets, which suggests a cautious approach to test market demand before potentially deploying larger aircraft. Despite the resumption of commercial flights, the U.S. State Department continues to list Venezuela as a "Do Not Travel" destination for American citizens, citing ongoing safety and security concerns. Before the flights can officially restart, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must conduct and approve security procedures at Venezuelan airports. Other airlines that previously operated in Venezuela, such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, have not yet announced any plans to resume their services. However, the Venezuelan carrier Laser Airlines has renewed its efforts to establish passenger service to Miami following the lifting of airspace restrictions.
