American Airlines Set to Restore Direct Venezuela Flights Following Seven-Year Suspension

In a landmark development for international aviation, American Airlines announced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, its intention to resume direct flight services to Venezuela. This decision marks the conclusion of a nearly seven-year hiatus in air travel between the two nations. While the airline plans to re-establish daily operations, the actual commencement of these flights remains contingent upon receiving formal authorization from the United States government and the successful completion of comprehensive safety evaluations.

The timing of this announcement aligns with a pivotal executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 29, 2026, which officially reopened Venezuelan airspace for commercial aviation. President Trump indicated that he had engaged in discussions with Venezuela's Acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, to ensure the safety and security of American travelers. Following these talks, the White House instructed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, along with military authorities, to facilitate the reopening of the airspace by the end of that day. These restrictions had been in place since 2019 and were further complicated by a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

American Airlines holds a long-standing history in the region, having operated in Venezuela from 1987 until the suspension of services in March 2019. Before the withdrawal, it stood as the primary American carrier serving the country. Natalie Piper, the Chief Commercial Officer of American Airlines, highlighted the significant potential for reuniting families and fostering renewed business ties through this restoration. Piper, who previously led the oneworld alliance starting in April 2024, assumed her current role at American Airlines on November 3, 2025.

While the resumption of flights signals a shift in diplomatic and commercial relations, the U.S. Department of State has not yet lowered its guard. On January 29, 2026, the department upheld its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Venezuela, pointing to persistent risks such as the threat of wrongful detention. Concurrently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the removal of four Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) that had previously restricted pilot operations in the area.

Beyond the aviation sector, the U.S. administration has formally notified Congress of its plans to reopen the American Embassy in Caracas, which had been shuttered for years. This move toward normalization is anticipated to generate substantial economic advantages, particularly for American petroleum companies looking to resume or expand operations within the country. Furthermore, American Airlines is not alone in this transition; other major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines, have also initiated the process of rebuilding their flight schedules following a series of widespread cancellations earlier in January.