The United States will once again permit commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace, President Donald Trump announced Thursday during a cabinet meeting. This decision follows a phone conversation with the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez.
Restoration of Air Access
According to the President, American citizens will “be able to travel to Venezuela very soon, and they will be safe there.” Commercial flights between the two countries were suspended in 2019. In November of that year, the Trump administration declared the airspace “closed completely” as part of increased pressure on the government in Caracas, leading airlines to suspend routes or divert them to neighboring countries.
The President stated that the decision to reopen airspace will allow members of the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States to travel to and from their country of origin. He instructed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Pentagon to facilitate the reopening before the end of the day.
Airline Response
American Airlines has already announced plans to resume daily flights to Venezuela following the U.S. government’s approval and safety assessments.
Despite the change, the U.S. State Department continues to advise against travel to Venezuela, a recommendation that has been in place since 2019 following the cancellation of bilateral diplomatic relations. The current advisory places Venezuela at the highest level of travel risk, warning of a high risk of detention, torture, or kidnapping for American citizens.
The President asserted that the “tutelage” of Venezuela by Washington is progressing “very well” and that relations with authorities in Caracas are “very strong.” He also indicated that major oil companies are exploring locations in Venezuela, which he believes will bring “enormous wealth” to both Venezuela and the United States.
The President also claimed that the people of Venezuela “literally took to the streets, waving American flags, they were happy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When were commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela suspended?
Commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela were suspended in 2019.
What is the current U.S. State Department travel advisory for Venezuela?
The U.S. State Department currently recommends against travel to Venezuela and places the country at the highest level of risk, warning of a high risk of detention, torture, or kidnapping.
What did the President say about the safety of Americans traveling to Venezuela?
The President stated that American citizens will be safe in Venezuela, and that the situation is “very firmly under control.”
How might this change in policy affect the broader political and economic landscape of Venezuela and its relationship with the United States?
