When Will Venezuela's Airspace Reopen to International Travellers?

The question of when Venezuela commercial aviation will fully welcome international travellers again is more complex than ever. The nation, once a key hub for Latin American travel, now faces severe international flight restrictions.

A Look Back: Viasa Airline History

For British travellers in the early 1990s, Venezuela was the traditional gateway to Latin America. The nation's flag carrier, Viasa airline history, is a story of that era. Viasa offered competitive fares and included a stopover in Caracas (CCS) at no extra charge. This made travel to destinations from Cuba to Chile accessible.

Travel industry figures, like Lyn Hughes, founding editor of Wanderlust magazine, recall being “completely wowed” by Venezuela's natural wonders. These included the flat-top mountains, or tepuis, the Orinoco Delta, and deserted Caribbean beaches.

Viasa, or Venezolana Internacional de Aviación Sociedad Anónima, was a symbol of Venezuelan aviation pride. The airline, however, ceased operations in January 1997 and went into liquidation after mounting financial losses and a failed privatization attempt involving Iberia.

Current Aviation Crisis and Safety Warnings

Today, the operating environment for airlines is drastically different. Following a major political and military event on January 3, 2026, the aviation sector was immediately impacted. The FAA Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) barred U.S.-registered aircraft from entering Venezuelan Flight Information Regions (FIRs) due to safety risks.

This action triggered a complete civil aviation shutdown in Venezuelan airspace and widespread disruption across the Caribbean. Major U.S. carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines suspended or rerouted flights.

Regulatory and Security Landscape

Multiple international governments maintain the highest level of caution. The U.S. State Department’s Venezuela travel advisory is Level 4: “Do Not Travel.” This is due to the high risk of wrongful detention, crime, civil unrest, and terrorism.

• The U.S. government cannot provide routine consular services to citizens in Venezuela.
• The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also advises against all travel.
• The FCDO warned that the risk of armed robbery begins immediately upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport (Caracas airport).

Furthermore, in late 2025, Venezuela's aviation authority revoked the operational permits of several international airlines. These carriers, including Avianca and TAP, suspended service after U.S. and Spanish air safety alerts tied to heightened military activity.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The lack of international connectivity leaves the Venezuelan population dependent on a small, aging fleet of about 20 commercial aircraft. This is according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

• Weekly passenger traffic has plunged from approximately 15,000 to between 1,000 and 2,000.
• The shrinking number of airlines forces travellers to rely on expensive, multi-leg connections through hubs like Panama City or Bogotá.

Despite the severe warnings and operational challenges, the Venezuelan government has reported a significant increase in tourism. The government claimed a 108% growth in 2024, with over 2.8 million foreign tourists arriving by October 2025. This push includes promoting new routes, such as a direct flight between Beijing and Caracas, as part of a national strategy to diversify the economy away from oil.

For the global travel industry, the consensus remains one of cautious optimism for the long term. Travel specialists hope that stability and peace will return. This would allow the country to once again welcome visitors to experience its natural beauty. However, for now, the Caracas airport safety concerns and international flight restrictions mean a return to the golden age of Latin America tourism recovery remains on hold. For the latest commercial aviation news and updates, visit flying.flights.