American Airlines Plans Return to Venezuela Flights After U.S. Lifts Ban

American Airlines announced Thursday that it plans to resume flights to Venezuela for the first time in more than six years, pending government approval and security assessments, signaling a major shift in U.S.-Venezuela air travel policy. The move follows a decision by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to rescind a 2019 order that barred U.S. airlines from operating flights to the country, acting under the direction of President Donald Trump.

Duffy said the continued suspension of air service to Venezuela was “no longer required by the public interest,” clearing a key regulatory hurdle for airlines seeking to return. Trump said the decision came after discussions with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez and expressed confidence in the safety of American travelers visiting the country in the near future.

American Airlines suspended service to Venezuela in 2019 after the U.S. government prohibited flights amid escalating political and security concerns. The airline, which first began operations in Venezuela in 1987, was once the largest U.S. carrier serving the country. It now plans to offer daily flights aimed at supporting business, leisure, and humanitarian travel if approvals are granted.

Despite the policy change, flights are not expected to resume immediately. The Federal Aviation Administration must conduct safety assessments, while the Transportation Security Administration is likely to carry out a comprehensive security review. The FAA said it looks forward to facilitating the return of regular travel between the United States and Venezuela once requirements are met.

Duffy’s order does not override other restrictions from the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, or Homeland Security, nor does it change Venezuela’s status under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment program. Additional steps are still required to fully lift all remaining prohibitions.

United Airlines declined to comment on whether it plans to resume service, while Delta Air Lines did not immediately respond. The State Department continues to list Venezuela on its “Do Not Travel” advisory, underscoring that regulatory and security considerations remain central as U.S. airlines evaluate a return to Venezuelan airspace.