American Airlines Eyes First US-Venezuela Flights in Seven Years

American Airlines plans to be the first carrier to resume nonstop service between the U.S. and Venezuela in seven years.

On Thursday, the airline said that it remains in close contact with federal authorities and is ready to restart flights to Venezuela, pending government approval and security assessments.

American and other major carriers suspended flights to the South American country due to political instability, civil unrest and security concerns back in 2019 in the wake of pilots voicing concerns amid U.S. State Department warnings and eventually a ban ordered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

It's unclear when the planned service will resume as American said it will share more details in the months to come, "as it works closely with federal authorities on all 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’s Chief Commercial Officer, in a statement. “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.”

The news comes less than four weeks after U.S. military strikes in Venezuela prompted widespread flight disruptions.

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