Trump Reopens Venezuela Airspace for US Travelers
Isaac BennettU.S. reopens Venezuelan airspace, signaling a thaw, but the "do not travel" advisory remains.
President Donald Trump announced a major policy shift regarding travel and airspace over Venezuela.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the U.S. will reopen all commercial airspace over Venezuela, clearing the way for American citizens to travel to the country. The president said he informed Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision.
Trump stated he directed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and military officials to implement the change by the end of the day. "American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they'll be safe there," he added.
As of the announcement, the Venezuelan government had not issued a public comment.
Diplomatic Thaw: US Signals Intent to Reopen Embassy
This move follows earlier signals that the U.S. is exploring a restoration of relations with the South American nation. Earlier this week, the Trump administration notified Congress of its first steps toward possibly reopening the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, which was shuttered after diplomatic relations collapsed in 2019. The move comes after a U.S. military raid that ousted then-President Nicolás Maduro.
In letters to 10 congressional committees, the State Department detailed its plan to send a growing number of temporary staff to perform "select" diplomatic functions. "We are writing to notify the committee of the Department of State's intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume Embassy Caracas operations," the department stated.
Conflicting Signals: "Do Not Travel" Warning Persists
Despite the president's announcement encouraging travel, the State Department's official advisory for Venezuela remains at its highest level: "Do not travel." The department has not yet responded to inquiries about whether this warning will be updated.
The current advisory cautions that Americans face a high risk of wrongful detention, torture, kidnapping, and other dangers. When diplomatic ties broke down in 2019, the State Department strongly warned U.S. citizens against traveling to Venezuela.
Background on the Airspace Closure
The decision to reopen the airspace reverses a policy implemented in November. As part of a pressure campaign against the Maduro government, Trump declared that the airspace "above and surrounding" Venezuela was to be considered "closed in its entirety."
Following that declaration, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to pilots about heightened military activity in the region. In response, international airlines began canceling their flights to Venezuela.
American Airlines Plans Return to Venezuela
Responding quickly to the news, American Airlines announced on Thursday its intent to reinstate nonstop service from the U.S. to Venezuela in the coming months. The carrier was the last U.S. airline flying to the country before it suspended service in March 2019.
"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. "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 airline stated that it will share more details about its return to service as it works with federal authorities to complete security assessments and obtain the necessary permissions.
