First airlines resume scheduled operations to Venezuela

International carriers are in the process of resuming or planning scheduled operations to Venezuela following the reopening of the country’s commercial airspace.

American Airlines has confirmed its intention to resume daily nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, positioning itself as the first U.S. carrier to announce such plans since flights halted in 2019. The restart remains pending final government approval though Miami to Caracas is widely anticipated as the primary link.

Other carriers, including Panama’s Copa Airlines, have indicated steps toward resuming operations, while Venezuelan airline Avior has applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation to renew and amend its authority for flights to Miami and Houston, aiming for a potential return once regulatory and safety requirements, such as FAA Category 1 status, are met.

Additional airlines like those from the Dominican Republic, Wingo, Iberia, and TAP Air Portugal have are also ready to reactivate of routes.

Some commercial services have already restarted on a gradual basis, with warnings from authorities like the U.S. State Department advising travellers to monitor airline updates closely due to variable availability.

This shift stems from a directive by President Donald Trump in late January 2026 to lift long-standing restrictions, including the rescinding of a 2019 order that barred U.S. airlines from flying to Venezuela.

The move has enabled airlines to prepare for a return after years of suspension due to safety, security, and political concerns.

American Airlines shared in a written statement “American is proud to be the first airline to announce plans to reinstate nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela.”