American Airlines Resumes Venezuela Flights After 2019 Shutdown

First US carrier to restore service between the two countries since 2019 after DOT approval.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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American Airlines is set to resume nonstop flights to Venezuela after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved the carrier's request, making it the first U.S. airline to restore service between the two countries since 2019. The airline will operate the flights from Miami to Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela, through its wholly owned subsidiary Envoy.

Why it matters

The resumption of flights between the U.S. and Venezuela marks a significant development in the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained in recent years. It also provides an important transportation link for Venezuelans living in the U.S. to visit family and friends, as well as potential business opportunities.

The details

The approval follows President Donald Trump's January directive to reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order barring U.S. civil flight operations in the country's airspace. The Transportation Security Administration was in Caracas last week reviewing airport security procedures, a necessary step to resume flights. American Airlines had announced in late January that it intended to reconnect with Venezuela, just weeks after the U.S. conducted strikes in the country and captured dictator Nicolás Maduro.

  • In January 2026, President Donald Trump directed the reopening of commercial airspace over Venezuela.
  • In late January 2026, American Airlines announced its intention to resume flights to Venezuela.
  • On March 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved American Airlines' request to resume nonstop flights from Miami to Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela.

The players

American Airlines

An American airline that is set to resume nonstop flights to Venezuela, becoming the first U.S. carrier to restore service between the two countries since 2019.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The government agency that approved American Airlines' request to resume flights to Venezuela.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who directed the reopening of commercial airspace over Venezuela in January 2026.

Nicolás Maduro

The dictator of Venezuela who was captured by the U.S. prior to American Airlines' announcement to resume flights.

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What they’re saying

“We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship. By restarting service to Venezuela, American will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States.”

— Nat Pieper, Chief Commercial Officer, American Airlines (American Airlines)

What’s next

The DOT's order approving American Airlines' flights to Venezuela is valid for two years.

The takeaway

The resumption of flights between the U.S. and Venezuela represents a significant step in rebuilding the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained in recent years. It provides an important transportation link for Venezuelans living in the U.S. and opens up potential business opportunities.