American Airlines will be the first US carrier to restart flights to Venezuela after nearly seven years. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) approved the airline to operate nonstop flights from Miami to Caracas, the capital, and Maracaibo, an important oil city. The flights will be run by Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines under the American Eagle brand. Envoy will initially use smaller Embraer 170 airplanes, which carry about 65–75 passengers and are commonly used for regional routes.
Commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela were completely halted in May 2019 due to political tensions and safety concerns. American Airlines had been the last US carrier operating in the country before the suspension, and it had served Venezuelan cities since 1987. Other international airlines had already reduced or paused service due to navigational problems and safety warnings. These restrictions left Venezuela largely isolated from international flights for several years, forcing travellers to take longer routes through neighbouring countries.
The return of flights became possible after airspace over Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean was reopened in February 2026. Commercial restrictions had been imposed for months because of military activity and safety concerns. This had caused cancellations across the Caribbean and affected travel even for people not heading to Venezuela. The reopening of airspace allowed airlines to gradually restore flights and created the conditions for American Airlines’ return.
The DOT approval is temporary and comes with a two-year licence for Envoy Air to operate passenger, cargo, and mail services between Miami, Caracas, and Maracaibo. Temporary licences are standard when restarting routes after long pauses because they let airlines test demand before committing to larger aircraft or expanded schedules. American has not yet announced exact flight dates, but it plans to offer daily nonstop services on both routes.
The return of flights is expected to help reconnect families and support business links between Venezuela and the United States. Many Venezuelan residents have been separated from relatives for years due to travel restrictions. The flights also make it easier for people travelling for work, commerce, or essential services. This is especially significant given that other airlines had avoided the country for safety and operational reasons.
Even with flights returning, the US State Department continues to list Venezuela as a Level 4 “Do not travel” country. Visitors should be aware that crime rates are high in cities such as Caracas, and infrastructure like electricity, healthcare, and water can be unreliable. Border regions can also be risky due to smuggling and armed groups. These warnings mean that most Americans are strongly advised not to visit for leisure.
The return of flights comes amid broader political and economic developments. In early 2026, US officials met with Venezuelan authorities to discuss cooperation in mining, energy, and natural resources. Venezuelan officials have also been working on reforms to attract foreign investment. These diplomatic and economic efforts are part of the context that made American Airlines’ route restoration possible.
American Airlines’ return could encourage other carriers to consider resuming service. Venezuelan airlines such as Laser Airlines and Avior Airlines have expressed interest in flying to the US. Restoration of these flights marks a first step toward rebuilding international air connections that were disrupted for years due to political, operational, and safety concerns.
