American Airlines announced Thursday that it plans to resume daily service to Venezuela, pending approval from the U.S. government and safety assessments, which would mark the return of commercial flights between the two countries after more than five years of suspension.

“American Airlines is proud to be the first airline to announce plans to restore direct service between the United States and Venezuela,” the airline said in a Press release.

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Transportation to lift restrictions preventing commercial flights, following a conversation with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez.

“American citizens will be able to go to Venezuela very soon and will be safe there,” Trump stated, explaining the decision, which includes direct instructions to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other civilian and military authorities to reopen Venezuelan airspace.

Return conditional on security assessments

American Airlines indicated that it will work “closely with federal authorities” to complete the necessary permits and analyses before restarting operations, a process that could take several months.

“We have more than 30 years of experience connecting Venezuelans with the United States, and we are ready to renew this incredible relationship. By resuming service to Venezuela, American Airlines will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with their families and generate new business and trade with the United States.”

Nat Pieper, Chief Commercial Officer of American Airlines, stated. “The airline will share more details about its return to service in the coming months,” the company indicated. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must conduct technical and safety evaluations before authorizing flights. On January 16,The agency issued warnings to airlines operating in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, citing risks related to military activity and interference with GPS navigation systems.

End of a suspension that began in 2019

American Airlines suspended its flights to Venezuela in March 2019 after the State Department recommended that U.S. citizens leave the country and withdraw its diplomatic personnel amid deteriorating bilateral relations and internal unrest.

The airline, which began operating in Venezuela in 1987, was the largest U.S. carrier in the country before the suspension and noted that the restoration of service would allow for business travel, tourism, and humanitarian missions.

Reopening of airspace

Trump officially announced on January 29 the reopening of Venezuelan commercial airspace, which will allow for the restoration of air connections between the two countries after years of isolation.

A recent notice from the The FAA had categorized Venezuelan airspace as “potentially hazardous” due to military activity in the region, affecting overflights, arrivals, and departures. However, the new presidential order marks a radical shift in air policy toward Venezuela. If the announcement is finalized, American Airlines would become the first U.S. airline to resume flights to Venezuela since 2019, opening a new chapter in connectivity between the two countries.However, the new presidential order marks a radical shift in air policy toward Venezuela. If the announcement is finalized, American Airlines would become the first US airline to resume flights to Venezuela since 2019, opening a new chapter in connectivity between the two countries.However, the new presidential order marks a radical shift in air policy toward Venezuela. If the announcement is finalized, American Airlines would become the first US airline to resume flights to Venezuela since 2019, opening a new chapter in connectivity between the two countries.