Panama has resumed direct flights with Venezuela, President José Raúl Mulino announced during a press conference on Thursday, citing national interests and growing migration concerns as key reasons behind the decision. The announcement was made nearly a year after they were suspended due to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.

Mulino’s remarks come in the wake of widespread international condemnation—led by the United States and other Western countries—of Venezuela’s recent election results, which prompted opposition candidate Edmundo González to flee the country.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, Mulino stressed that reopening air links with Venezuela is in Panama’s best interest. However, neither the president nor Panama’s aviation authority provided a timeline for when flights might resume.

Copa Holdings, Panama’s flagship carrier, has yet to comment on the potential restart of operations between the two countries.

Mulino also pointed to the need for a bilateral agreement with Venezuela to facilitate the return of Venezuelan nationals who have been denied entry into the United States and subsequently arrive in Panama during their return process.

“It’s not a massive number of people, but most are Venezuelan,” Mulino said, underscoring the growing pressure on Panama’s migration system.

The potential flight resumption reflects a complex balancing act for Panama—maintaining regional cooperation on migration while navigating sensitive political developments in Venezuela.

Melissa Enoch

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