American Airlines has brought direct flights back to Venezuela after years of restrictions, but United Airlines is staying out of the market for now. As of May 2026, travelers wanting to fly from the U.S. to Caracas have one main option. This shift comes after big changes in U.S. policy and airline decisions.
Background on the Flight Ban
U.S. airlines stopped direct flights to Venezuela in 2019 due to government restrictions. The U.S. Department of Transportation put those limits in place for safety and policy reasons. Flights stayed grounded for seven years until early 2026.
In January 2026, major political events changed everything. The U.S. military captured Nicolás Maduro, and the U.S. embassy in Caracas reopened. President Donald Trump directed the end of the flight ban. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the suspension was no longer needed for public interest. This opened the door for airlines to apply for service again.
American Airlines Takes the Lead
American Airlines moved fast to fill the gap. On February 13, 2026, it asked the DOT for permission. The department approved a two-year permit on March 4, 2026. Service started just weeks later.
The first flight, AA3599 operated by Envoy Air, left Miami at 10:11 a.m. EDT on April 30, 2026. It landed in Caracas around 1:36 p.m. local time. The return flight departed soon after. American now runs daily nonstop flights from Miami to Caracas. It added a second daily flight on May 21, 2026, and also serves Maracaibo.
American’s top commercial officer, Nat Pieper, said the routes help families reunite and build business ties with the U.S. Venezuelan officials expect about 100,000 passengers a year on the Miami-Caracas path alone. This gives American a strong start with little competition.
United Airlines Stays on the Sidelines
United Airlines once flew from Houston to Caracas but pulled out early. It suspended the route on July 1, 2019, because it was not making money. Spokesman Charles Hobart said at the time that the service did not meet financial goals.
As of May 12, 2026, United has made no plans to return. Even with the ban lifted, the airline has stayed quiet. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport was a key hub for Latin America flights, but United left before the full restrictions hit. Demand and costs were the main issues back then.
Delta Air Lines has also not announced any Venezuela plans. American stands alone among major U.S. carriers right now.
What This Means for Travelers
The restart offers direct options after years of indirect routes through other countries. But challenges remain. The U.S. State Department keeps Venezuela at Level 4, meaning “Do Not Travel.” This is due to safety risks.
The Federal Aviation Administration did safety checks after the policy change. Airlines must weigh demand, costs, and risks. American’s quick move gives it an edge in South Florida connections. Travelers from Texas or other areas might still need connections.
Passenger numbers will test the market. If demand grows, more airlines like United could join. For now, options center on Miami.
Conclusion
American Airlines leads the return of U.S. flights to Venezuela in 2026, while United Airlines holds back due to past financial losses. Political shifts ended the ban, but business choices shape the routes. Travelers gain direct access, though safety warnings persist. Watch for updates as the market develops.
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