In a major shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela, President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate reopening of commercial airspace over Venezuela, reversing a ban that had been in place since 2019.

Trump announced the move during a White House cabinet meeting on January 29, 2026, saying he had informed acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision and directed U.S.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and senior officials to implement the change by the end of the day. Trump asserted that American citizens “will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela and they’ll be safe there.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quickly removed prior safety notices that had discouraged flights over Venezuelan airspace, clearing the way for commercial travel.

American Airlines, which suspended service in 2019, announced plans to resume direct flights to Venezuela pending government approval and security reviews, marking the first U.S. carrier to signal restored service between the countries.

Context of Policy Reversal and Diplomatic Reset

The reopening of Venezuelan airspace follows weeks after a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture and removal of Former President Nicolás Maduro, and the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader — a dramatic development that has quickly reshaped diplomatic dynamics between Washington and Caracas.

Under the new interim government, Rodriguez has engaged in discussions with U.S. officials, prompting a series of shifts toward normalization.

In addition to aviation changes, U.S. officials have indicated broader steps toward restoring ties, including potential reestablishment of diplomatic presence in Caracas after the U.S. Embassy had been closed since 2019.

Notably, Rodríguez has welcomed international airlines and investors back to Venezuela following the announcement that commercial airspace restrictions were lifted.

Economic and Travel Implications

A key driver behind the policy reversal appears to be economic opportunity, particularly in Venezuela’s vast oil sector.

Trump stated that major U.S. oil companies were already on the ground in Venezuela conducting site assessments, anticipating significant future production and investment potential despite the country’s aging infrastructure.

While the travel ban has been lifted, the U.S. State Department continues to maintain a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela due to ongoing security concerns, including risks of detention or kidnapping.

Nonetheless, the shift enables increased connectivity — from family travel to commercial activity — as American carriers work with federal regulators on safety assessments necessary for resuming flights in the coming months.