Trump plans reopening Venezuelan airspace; American Airlines plans first flights

American Airlines announced on Thursday that it is the first airline to announce plans to reinstate flights between the U.S. and Venezuela. On Dec. 12 2025, a JetBlue Airways Airbus A320 near Venezuelan airspace had a near-collision after an Air Force refueler tanker entered its flight path at the same altitude with no transponder on. In January, a major US military operation resulted in the seizure of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials. All U.S.-registered aircraft that are not military were banned from using Venezuelan airspace. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has instructed his DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. military leaders to take steps to open the airspace for travel and told acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez that commercial airspace over Venezuela will be opened and Americans will soon be able to visit, according to AP news. Venezuela's government did not immediately comment and the country's travel advisory is still listed at its highest level, meaning Americans face a high risk of wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping and more, according to Wings Magazine. "American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they'll be safe there," said President Trump. RELATED STORIES: FAA warns airlines of potential military activity in Latin America FAA lifts airspace restriction on Venezuelan airspace for commercial aircraft Venezuelan airspace closed to U.S. civil flights due to increased military activity American Airlines stated that it remains in close contact with federal authorities and is ready to resume daily flights to Venezuela, pending government approval and security assessments. The airline started flying in Venezuela and suspended service in 2019. It states it will share more details in the upcoming months as it works toward acquiring the necessary permissions and security assessments. "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 Airlines CCCO. "By restarting service to Venezuela, American will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States."