Credit: Shutterstock American Airlines has announced plans to resume direct flights between the US and Venezuela, becoming the first airline to restore air service between the countries since the suspension of flights in 2019. According to the company, the plan includes a daily flight service, subject to approval by the US government and the completion of security checks.
The airline emphasizes that the line's renewal is intended to enable business, tourism, and humanitarian travel, as well as to reconnect families across the two countries.
The company, which has operated in Venezuela for more than 30 years, was the largest US airline in the country until it suspended operations. “We are ready to renew the incredible relationship,” the company noted, adding that the resumption of flights will open new opportunities for trade and movement between the countries.
American Airlines Boeing 777. Photo: Abdul N Quraishi - Abs / ShutterstockAt the same time, airlines on the Venezuelan side are also expressing interest in resuming flight routes. Last Tuesday (February 3), Avior Airlines submitted an official request to the US Department of Transportation to update and expand its operating authority on routes between Venezuela and the United States. As part of the request, Avior seeks permission to operate regular flights from Caracas and Maracaibo to Miami, and to add a route from Barcelona, Venezuela, to Houston. The company is requesting that the permit be granted for a period of two years, in preparation for the resumption of operations between the countries.
Avior states in the document that it is prepared to return to the American market upon receipt of all necessary approvals and that it has no connection or assistance from the Venezuelan government. The company also emphasizes that the renewal of the lines will enable the creation of a renewed economic, transportation and cultural connection between the two countries.
Beach in Venezuela. Credit: ShutterstockAt the end of January, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the lifting of aviation restrictions in effect across the Caribbean, including a message regarding Venezuelan airspace. The FAA stated that, after re-examining safety conditions and the regional situation, it was no longer necessary to maintain the restrictions and that the airspace in these areas is safe for ongoing civil aviation activity. This move is expected to facilitate operations for airlines serving routes to the Caribbean and South America, as well as between the region and the United States.