The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday approved American Airlines’ request to resume regular commercial flights from Miami to Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela, marking the first time in more than six years that a U.S. carrier will operate scheduled service to the country.
The authorization, issued March 4, 2026, allows American’s wholly owned regional subsidiary Envoy Air to provide the flights using Embraer aircraft under the American Eagle brand. The exemption is valid for two years.
American Airlines suspended service to Venezuela in 2019 following a U.S. government ban on commercial passenger and cargo flights, imposed amid political instability and security concerns under then-President Nicolás Maduro. The airline, which began operations in Venezuela in 1987 and was once the largest U.S. carrier there, had sought to restart daily nonstop service from Miami International Airport.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded the 2019 flight ban in January at the direction of President Donald Trump, following Maduro’s removal from power in early January 2026 via U.S. military action and the installation of acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The move has facilitated renewed engagement between Washington and Caracas.
The Transportation Security Administration conducted an on-site review of airport security procedures in Caracas last week, a prerequisite for resuming commercial operations. Federal aviation officials continue to monitor conditions.
American Airlines has not announced a specific start date for the flights, though industry sources suggest service could begin as early as late March or April 2026, pending final clearances.
The airline stated that restoring the routes would facilitate business, leisure, and humanitarian travel between South Florida—home to a large Venezuelan-American community—and Venezuela.
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing risks including crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention. Travelers are advised to reconsider any plans due to ongoing security concerns.
