American Airlines announced Thursday that it plans to restore nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, signaling a broader thaw in trade and travel ties between the two nations.

The carrier said it is ready to resume its daily service in the country once it gets government approval. This would make it the first US company to announce plans to reconnect Venezuela non-stop service in the USA

The Texas-based airline said it will share additional details about its return to service in the coming months and is currently working closely with federal authorities “on all necessary permits and safety assessments” before doing so.

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American’s announcement comes as president donald trump announced that commercial airspace over Venezuela would be reopened following the Federal Aviation Administration’s emergency warning earlier this month to block civilian flight operations by US aircraft in Venezuelan airspace.

An American Airlines passenger plane is parked at a gate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on August 24, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Daniel Slim/AFP/Getty Images)

The notice came as in the US strike in Venezuela and captured dictator Nicolás Maduro.

The Trump administration has said the US would lead Venezuela until a peaceful transition occurs and is currently working to restore diplomatic relations with Caracas, Venezuela.

“I just spoke with the president of Venezuela and informed him that we are going to open all commercial airspace over Venezuela,” Trump said Thursday during a cabinet meeting. “American citizens will be able to go to Venezuela very soon and they will be safe there. It is under very strong control.”

Trump said he has instructed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the US military to open airspace over Venezuela by the end of Thursday.

The first US service suspended in the country in 2019 due to the deteriorating security situation, pilot safety concerns and increased political tensions. It was one of many major airlines that decided to stop operating flights in the country. The American, according to reports, was the last of them stop operations there.

An American Airlines Airbus A321 takes off from Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

Before that, American had been operating in the nation since 1987.

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What this means for travelers:

Clint Henderson, managing editor of travel website The Points Guy, said travelers shouldn’t get too excited about it just yet, as there are a lot of legal, government and security hoops to jump through before flights can actually begin.

Henderson also warned that unions are another obstacle, as they will also play a role, “as the safety of flight crews will be paramount”.

However, he believes travelers could eventually see a flight from Miami to Caracas if relations improve enough.

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An American Airlines commercial jet flies over Washington as it approaches Dulles International Airport on August 5, 2024. (Umit Bektas)

This “air service would open up incredible opportunities for business travel and family gatherings,” Henderson said. “If U.S. investment in Venezuela’s important energy markets increases, air traffic would be a key enabler for business. Venezuela’s deteriorating infrastructure also opens up many opportunities for business travel.”

This could be a great opportunity for airlines.

“The new airlift would also help re-establish Venezuela as a tourism hotspot for Americans. Venezuela used to be a popular destination for American tourists,” he added.

Diana Stancy of FOX News contributed to this report.