The United States (US) has approved the start of American Airlines flights to Venezuela through its regional subsidiary carrier Envoy Air.
On March 4, 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOT) authorized an application from American Airlines 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 Airlines was first to declare its intention to restart commercial operations to Venezuela following the decision by President Trump to ease airspace rules after capturing the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during an audacious military mission in January 2026.
“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,” said Nat Pieper, American’s CCO, on January 29, 2026.
Valid for two years, American Airlines is now authorized to operate Envoy flights between Miami and the Venezuelan capital Caracas and Maracaibo.
Despite the development the official advice for US citizens looking to visit Venezuela remains ‘Level 4 – Do Not Travel’.