In a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (29 January) that commercial flights to and over Venezuela will once again be permitted, signalling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.
President Trump stated that acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has been informed of the decision. “Very soon, American citizens will be able to travel to Venezuela safely,” Trump affirmed. He further instructed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, alongside senior military officials, to open Venezuelan airspace immediately. Once implemented, the measure will provide a secure travel corridor for US nationals.
Trump emphasised that American travellers will be able to visit Venezuela in a short period and assured that their safety would be prioritised.
The announcement comes days after the Trump administration informed Congress that preliminary steps were underway to reopen the US embassy in Caracas. These efforts are part of a broader assessment of the prospects for re-establishing diplomatic relations with the South American nation.
Earlier this week, the US State Department sent a notice to lawmakers indicating that temporary staff would be deployed gradually to resume limited diplomatic functions. Diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela were severed in 2019, at which point the US issued a maximum-level travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid the country entirely.
In November of last year, President Trump had described Venezuelan airspace and surrounding regions as effectively closed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) subsequently warned pilots to remain vigilant due to increased military activity, prompting several international airlines to cancel flights to Venezuela.
Among American carriers, American Airlines was the last to operate flights to Venezuela but suspended its services in March 2019. On Thursday, the airline confirmed plans to resume direct flights from the United States to Venezuela in the coming months.
Timeline of Key Developments:
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019, March | US-Venezuela diplomatic relations severed | American citizens advised against travel; American Airlines halts flights |
| 2025, November | Venezuelan airspace deemed unsafe | FAA issues warnings; international airlines cancel flights |
| 2026, 29 January | US announces reopening of Venezuelan airspace | Trump instructs Secretary of Transportation and military officials; American Airlines plans direct flights |
This decision marks a notable step in US-Venezuelan engagement after years of tension and restricted travel. Observers note that the reopening of air routes could facilitate both diplomatic and commercial exchanges, as well as provide relief for Venezuelans with family ties in the United States.