American Airlines says it is prepared to reinstate nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, marking what would be the first announced return of U.S. commercial flights to the country since service was suspended in 2019.
The airline emphasized that flights would begin only after receiving required government approvals and completing security assessments in coordination with federal authorities.
A Longstanding Presence in Venezuela
American first began operating in Venezuela in 1987 and, prior to suspending service seven years ago, had grown into the largest U.S. airline in the market. For more than three decades, the carrier provided nonstop links that supported family travel, business connections, leisure trips and humanitarian movement between Venezuela and the United States.
“We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” said Nat Pieper, American’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Why This Matters for Travelers
If approved, the return of nonstop service would reestablish direct air access between the two countries for the first time in years, significantly reducing travel times that currently require multiple connections. American says the restored flights would give travelers new opportunities to reunite with family members and help rebuild commercial ties between Venezuela and the United States.
The airline also underscored its broader regional role, noting that it connects more destinations nonstop between the U.S. and the Caribbean and Latin America than any other carrier, a network strength that historically shaped its presence in Venezuela.
Venezuela and the Caribbean
Venezuela is also a Caribbean country, with an extensive northern coastline along the Caribbean Sea and a collection of offshore islands that have long formed part of the region’s tourism map. The country’s Caribbean territory includes well-known island destinations such as Isla Margarita and the Los Roques Archipelago, a nationally protected marine park made up of dozens of low-lying coral islands and cays.
These areas are known for calm, clear waters, white-sand beaches and reef systems that support snorkeling, diving and sailing. Isla Margarita has historically served as the country’s primary beach destination, with resort areas, colonial towns and direct access to nearby smaller islands. Los Roques, by contrast, has been defined by limited development, small inns and day-trip boating across shallow lagoons and open Caribbean water.
A return of nonstop U.S. flights would restore direct access to these Caribbean destinations for American travelers for the first time in years.
What Comes Next
American said it will release specific details about routes, schedules and timing in the coming months. For now, the airline’s plans remain contingent on final government permissions and security reviews, with no launch date yet confirmed.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-01-29 18:16:00