American Airlines is aiming to restart US flights to Venezuela by the end of April 2026, subject to government approval and ongoing preparations.
On April 9, 2026, American Airlines announced that staff are currently working with both US and Venezuelan governments to ensure the resumption of services for the first time in over six years.
The airline plans to offer daily nonstop service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Venezuela’s capital Caracas, through its regional subsidiary carrier Envoy Air.
The intention is for Envoy Air’s Embraer 175 aircraft to begin operations to Venezuela as soon as April 30, 2026.
“American was the first airline to announce plans to restart service to Venezuela, and we are encouraged by the progress we’ve made with both governments,” said Nate Gatten, American’s Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs.
The airline noted it was “grateful for the efforts” of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the entire administration for their support.
“Our return wouldn’t be possible without this strong partnership,” said a spokesperson for American Airlines.
On March 4, 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOT) authorized an application from American dated February 13, 2026, seeking permission to operate to the South American country
Air travel between the US and Venezuela was stopped on May 15, 2019, during President Donald Trump’s first term, “based on a public interest determination”.
At the time, the US Department of Homeland Security determined that “conditions in Venezuela threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew”.
American started operating in Venezuela in 1987, serving as the largest airline in the country before suspending service in 2019.
“American’s Miami hub is the preeminent U.S. gateway to Latin America, and our service to Venezuela is a key part of our history and our future,” said American’s CCO Nat Pieper. “Our commitment to connecting Venezuela with the U.S. spans more than 30 years, and we look forward to the new opportunities for commerce and strengthened ties with family and friends that our service will provide.”
