National Airlines Wins US Approval to Fly to Venezuela
Venezuela · TRAVEL
Key Facts
- —Authority Granted by the US Department of Transportation on 30 July 2026, valid to 30 July 2028
- —Scope The exemption covers scheduled passenger, cargo, and mail flights between the two countries.
- —Initial plan National Airlines intends to operate humanitarian relief flights carrying aid and supplies.
- —Suspension history A blanket suspension of commercial flights was issued in May 2019 and rescinded on 29 January 2026.
- —Airport status Simón Bolívar International Airport resumes passenger flights on 24 August 2026 at 35-40% capacity after earthquake damage.
The approval marks the first step in restoring regular air links since a 2019 suspension, though safety checks still limit the pace.
National Airlines has won US approval to fly to Venezuela, marking a cautious step in restoring air links. The US Department of Transportation granted the carrier economic authority on 30 July 2026, valid through 30 July 2028.
What the National Airlines Approval Means
National Airlines received permission to operate scheduled foreign air transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail between the United States and Venezuela. An economic authority, also called an exemption, is the official green light.
It lets an airline sell and operate a given international service. The approval is not limited to cargo, although the carrier’s initial focus is on humanitarian relief flights carrying aid and supplies.
In short, it opens the door for broader passenger and freight operations in the future.
A Long Hiatus Ends
For years, commercial flights between the two countries were halted. In May 2019 the Department of Transportation issued Order 2019-5-5.
It suspended all commercial passenger and cargo flights, after a security assessment by the Department of Homeland Security. That blanket suspension was rescinded on 29 January 2026.
As a result, carriers can again seek US-Venezuela service, subject to other federal security and safety conditions.
Cautious Restoration
The National Airlines exemption is part of a cautious, limited restoration of connectivity. Still, the process remains constrained by a patchwork of safety and security restrictions.
For example, while the approval is a positive sign, it does not guarantee immediate or full-scale operations. Instead, it reflects a step-by-step approach to rebuilding air ties.
Airport Recovery
Meanwhile, the main gateway to Caracas is coming back. Simón Bolívar International Airport at Maiquetía resumes passenger flights on Monday 24 August 2026.
It will operate at about 35% to 40% of capacity, after earthquakes on 24 June 2026 damaged the runway and terminal. Therefore, even with the new authority, operational challenges remain.
The airport’s partial reopening will likely affect how quickly services can expand.
Humanitarian Focus
National Airlines initially plans humanitarian relief flights carrying aid and supplies. This approach aligns with the cautious tone of the restoration, prioritizing essential needs over commercial expansion.
In addition, such flights can help test the operational environment before broader passenger services are introduced. However, no specific routes or start dates have been announced.
Regulatory Framework
An economic authority is the permission a government gives an airline to sell and operate a given international service. For National Airlines, this authority is valid for two years, until 30 July 2028.
Despite the approval, carriers must still meet other federal security and safety conditions. Therefore, the process is not automatic, and each airline must comply with additional requirements.
What This Means for Travelers
For now, travelers should not expect immediate booking options. National Airlines has not announced any start date for flights, and the airport is only partially operational.
Even so, the approval signals a positive direction. It suggests that US-Venezuela air connectivity is slowly returning after years of suspension.
Historical Context
The 2019 suspension was a rare, blanket halt on commercial aviation between the two countries. It followed a security assessment by the Department of Homeland Security, reflecting heightened concerns at the time.
Since the rescission in January 2026, the regulatory environment has shifted. Now, National Airlines is among the first to receive approval, though others may follow.
What Comes Next for National Airlines
The next steps depend on operational readiness and regulatory compliance. National Airlines will need to coordinate with Venezuelan authorities and ensure safety standards are met.
Overall, this approval is a modest but meaningful milestone. It opens the door for future services, while the focus remains on humanitarian needs and careful restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Airlines approval?
National Airlines received economic authority from the US Department of Transportation to operate flights between the United States and Venezuela. The authority is valid from 30 July 2026 to 30 July 2028 and covers passengers, cargo, and mail.
When will National Airlines start flying to Venezuela?
No start date has been announced. The airline initially plans humanitarian relief flights, but specific schedules have not been published.
Why were US-Venezuela flights suspended?
In May 2019, the Department of Transportation suspended all commercial flights following a security assessment by the Department of Homeland Security. That suspension was rescinded on 29 January 2026.
Is the airport ready for flights?
Maiquetía resumes passenger flights on 24 August 2026. Capacity is only 35% to 40%, because of earthquake damage.
Connected Coverage
Sources: US Department of Transportation; aviation trade press.
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