Overview
- President Trump ordered the reopening Thursday, and the FAA said it removed Venezuela-related NOTAMs as the Transportation Department lifted its 2019 ban on U.S. flights.
- American Airlines announced plans to restart nonstop service pending government approval and security assessments, with launches expected in weeks or months.
- The State Department notified Congress of a phased plan to send temporary staff to the U.S. Embassy in Caracas to restore select diplomatic functions.
- The policy shift follows the Jan. 3 U.S. operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, which triggered emergency airspace restrictions and cancellations across the Caribbean.
- Despite the reopening order and Trump’s assurances, Venezuela remains under a U.S. Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory and additional FAA and TSA clearances are still required.