Air Europa Resumes Venezuela Flights After International Suspension

Air Europa (UX) has resumed scheduled service between Madrid and Caracas, marking the first European commercial flight to Venezuela since widespread suspensions began in late 2025. According to flight tracking data, the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) on Tuesday, signaling a gradual reopening of the country to international air travel.

The resumption of European flights follows a period of significant disruption for Venezuela's aviation industry. Service was broadly halted after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reportedly issued an advisory in November 2025, warning carriers to avoid Venezuelan airspace due to regional instability. This move by Air Europa suggests a shifting safety assessment by some international airlines.

Other Carriers Plan Return

Several other airlines are following Air Europa's lead in re-establishing connections. Spain’s Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas (PU) plans to resume its flights on March 3, while Iberia (IB) has announced intentions to restart operations in early April, according to reports from Madrid Secreto. Regional connectivity is also improving, with Avianca (AV) having already restored services between Colombia and Venezuela. Turkish Airlines (TK) and TAP Air Portugal (TP) are also expected to resume flights in the coming weeks, reconnecting Caracas with key European and Middle Eastern hubs.

Contrast with U.S. Carrier Suspensions

The return of European and Latin American carriers stands in contrast to the continued absence of U.S. airlines. Direct flights between the United States and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019 following a U.S. Department of Transportation order citing safety and security concerns. American Airlines was the last major U.S. carrier to serve the country, ending its flights in March 2019, while Delta Air Lines and United Airlines had previously ceased operations in 2017. There is currently no indication of when the U.S. flight ban might be lifted.

The gradual restoration of air links is a critical step for reconnecting Venezuelan expatriates with their families and for rebuilding business and tourism ties that were severed during the country's isolation. The trend points toward a slow but steady normalization of Venezuela's position within the global aviation network.

Key Takeaways

• Resumes first European commercial service to Venezuela since late 2025.
• Follows other carriers like Plus Ultra, Iberia, and Turkish Airlines planning returns.
• Contrasts with the ongoing suspension of direct flights by U.S. carriers since 2019.

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