The Ban on Direct Flights Between US and Venezuela Is Finally Over

The first nonstop commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in nearly seven years is set to take off on Thursday, marking the practical end of a ban imposed in 2019 amid security concerns and political unrest.

American Airlines will operate daily nonstop service between Miami International Airport and Caracas beginning April 30, restoring a direct air route that was suspended in 2019 amid Venezuela's political crisis.

The launch follows U.S. government approval granted in early March, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy now confirming that flights are going ahead as scheduled.

Duffy announced the timing on April 29, following the unveiling of a specially painted American Airlines aircraft designed to celebrate the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary. That same jet, he said, would fly to Venezuela on "the first nonstop flight from the U.S. since 2019," calling the moment "making history."

From Approval to Takeoff

On March 4, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved American Airlines' request to resume flights to Venezuela, lifting a years‑long U.S. government order that halted U.S. flights between the two countries. The approval was valid for two years and cleared the airline to operate regular service via its regional subsidiary, Envoy Air.

At the time, the decision marked a significant policy shift but left open the question of when flights would actually begin. Duffy's announcement this week provides that confirmation, signaling the transition from regulatory clearance to an active commercial route.

American Airlines plans to operate one daily round trip between Miami and Caracas using Embraer 175 aircraft, re‑establishing a corridor that was once among the busiest links between South Florida and northern South America.

Why Flights Were Halted

Commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela were suspended in May 2019 after the Department of Transportation, citing national security and safety risks, ordered airlines to stop operations.

The move followed escalating political instability in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro's grip on power was challenged by opposition leader Juan Guaidó and rejected by the U.S. and several allies.

The suspension abruptly severed direct air travel, forcing passengers to rely on indirect routes through third countries, often adding hours-and significant cost-to journeys.

American Airlines, which began operating in Venezuela in 1987 and had been the largest U.S. carrier in the country, was the last airline to fly the route before service was halted.

What Has Changed

The reinstatement of flights comes after the Trump administration rescinded the 2019 order earlier this year, clearing the way for service to be approved in March following reviews of aviation and airport security conditions. The Transportation Security Administration conducted inspections in Caracas as part of the approval process.

The policy shift followed the January 2026 removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power, after U.S. authorities confirmed his capture during a military operation in Caracas-a development that fundamentally altered the political landscape tied to the original flight ban.

While the return of nonstop flights signals a partial thaw in U.S.–Venezuela ties, it does not amount to full normalization. The State Department continues to advise Americans to reconsider travel to Venezuela due to ongoing security concerns.

A Symbolic Aircraft, a Permanent Route

The first flight will be operated using a commemorative American Airlines jet painted in red, white and blue to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. American is not alone: Southwest Airlines has also rolled out a special livery as part of the national observance.

But despite the symbolism, the Venezuela flight is not a ceremonial gesture. The route's launch represents the re‑establishment of regular commercial air service-a daily connection between the U.S. and Venezuela that had been absent since 2019.

For travelers, Thursday's flight marks the definitive end of nearly seven years without direct connectivity-and the return of a route that once played a central role in travel and commercial ties between the two countries

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 7:17 AM.