American Airlines' Envoy Air Seeks Exemption to Resume Venezuela Flights
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American Airlines' subsidiary Envoy Air has filed a request with the DOT to resume flights from Miami to Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela.
Key Takeaways
- •Files for DOT exemption to resume flights to Caracas and Maracaibo from Miami.
- •Seeks to restart service for the first time since a U.S. government ban in May 2019.
- •Builds on American Airlines' 32-year history as a major carrier in Venezuela.
- •Resumption depends on U.S. regulatory approval and the lifting of the current flight suspension.
Envoy Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, has filed a formal request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for an exemption to resume scheduled passenger flights between Miami and Venezuela. The application seeks authority to operate services from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Caracas (CCS) and Maracaibo (MAR), marking the first formal step by a U.S. carrier to re-enter the market since a federal ban suspended all air service in 2019.
The filing represents a proactive move by American Airlines to position itself for a potential reopening of the U.S.-Venezuela air corridor. If approved, the services would be operated by Envoy Air under the American Eagle brand. The carrier has requested the exemption be granted for a period of at least two years. The timeline for a decision and the potential resumption of flights remains uncertain, as it is contingent on both the DOT's approval of the application and a broader change in U.S. policy toward Venezuela.
The Application Details
According to the official DOT filing, Envoy Air argues that approving the request would serve the public interest by providing opportunities for business, leisure, and humanitarian travel. The carrier, headquartered in Irving, Texas, is a key operator for American's hub at MIA, which historically served as the primary gateway for its South American network. Envoy Air also operates hubs at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The application cites a potential future rescission of the 2019 flight suspension as justification for its request. A timeline for any such policy change has not been disclosed by U.S. authorities. American Airlines has indicated that any resumption of service would be subject to comprehensive security assessments in addition to government approvals.
In a previous statement regarding the market, Nat Pieper, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the airline's long-standing connection to the country. “We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” Pieper stated. “By restarting service to Venezuela, American will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States.”
Background on U.S.-Venezuela Air Service
American Airlines began operations in Venezuela in 1987 and grew to become the largest U.S. airline serving the country. However, in May 2019, the DOT issued Order 2019-5-5, which suspended the authority of all U.S. and foreign air carriers to provide flights between the United States and Venezuela. The order cited significant safety and security concerns as the primary reason for the indefinite ban.
Prior to the suspension, American Airlines was the last major U.S. carrier operating in the country, after competitors like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines had already withdrawn service in 2017 amid growing political and economic instability. The 2019 ban halted a connection that had existed for decades, significantly impacting travel and commerce between the two nations.
What Comes Next
The immediate next step is the review of Envoy's exemption application by the DOT. The process does not have a fixed timeline. Even if the exemption is granted, flights cannot commence until the overarching federal flight ban is lifted. U.S. authorities have not provided any public indication of when that policy might be reconsidered.
Should the political and regulatory environment change, American Airlines would likely be in a prime position to restart operations quickly, leveraging its established brand recognition and historical presence in the Venezuelan market. The proposed use of Envoy Air's regional aircraft suggests an initial strategy of deploying smaller, more efficient jets to test demand and manage risk before potentially scaling up with larger, mainline aircraft.
Why This Matters
This filing is a significant strategic maneuver, signaling strong airline interest in re-establishing a once-lucrative market. It positions American Airlines as a first-mover, ready to capitalize on any diplomatic or policy shifts that would permit the resumption of flights. For the aviation industry, Envoy's application serves as a barometer for how carriers are planning for the eventual reopening of restricted international markets, balancing potential rewards against significant geopolitical risks.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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