American Airlines Resumes Flights to Venezuela

Airline becomes first to reconnect US and Venezuela after years-long suspension of service.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:07pm

American Airlines has announced plans to resume nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, pending government approval and security assessments. The airline previously operated in Venezuela starting in 1987 and was the largest U.S. carrier in the country before suspending service in 2019. American will provide additional details about the service resumption in the coming months as it works with federal authorities on necessary permissions.

Why it matters

The restoration of direct air travel between the US and Venezuela represents a significant milestone in rebuilding economic and social ties between the two countries after years of strained relations. The nonstop flights will enable the resumption of crucial business, family, and leisure travel that was disrupted by the suspension of service.

The details

American Airlines plans to operate daily nonstop flights between the US and Venezuela, making it the first US airline to reconnect the two countries. The airline previously served Venezuela starting in 1987 and was the largest US carrier in the country before suspending service in 2019 due to the political and economic crisis. American remains in close contact with federal authorities and is ready to commence flights as soon as it receives the necessary government approvals and completes security assessments.

  • American Airlines first began serving Venezuela in 1987.
  • The airline suspended service to Venezuela in 2019.
  • American Airlines is now announcing plans to resume daily nonstop flights between the US and Venezuela, pending government approval.

The players

American Airlines

A premium global airline connecting more destinations in the US to the world. American Airlines has roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern US in 1926 and now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to over 350 destinations in more than 60 countries.

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What’s next

American Airlines will share additional details about the service resumption in the coming months as it works with federal authorities on necessary approvals and security assessments prior to restarting flights.

The takeaway

The return of direct air travel between the US and Venezuela represents a significant step in rebuilding ties between the two countries and enabling the resumption of important business, family, and leisure connections that were disrupted by the suspension of service in 2019.