Trump orders reopening of Venezuelan airspace for commercial flights
Following a call with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Trump directed immediate reopening of Venezuelan airspace and said U.S. citizens will soon be able to travel there safely.
January 29, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has ordered the reopening of Venezuelan commercial airspace, reversing a closure he had imposed months earlier during military operations in the region.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said he had just spoken with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez to inform her of the decision. "I just spoke with the president of Venezuela and informed her that we will open all commercial airspace over Venezuela," Trump said. "American citizens will very shortly be able to go to Venezuela, and they will be safe there."
Trump instructed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and other officials, including the military, to ensure the airspace reopens by the end of Thursday. "I've given instructions to Sean Duffy and to all others involved, including the military, to make sure that by the end of today, if possible, the airspace over Venezuela is open so that planes can fly to Venezuela," Trump said.
The reopening marks a reversal of restrictions Trump had imposed in November 2025, when he recommended that commercial aircraft avoid Venezuelan airspace amid escalating U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. Although Trump lacked legal authority to close another nation's airspace, his recommendation prompted major airlines to suspend flights over Venezuelan territory. The Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert on November 21 preceding military action that culminated in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela had been suspended since 2019, following a diplomatic rupture during Trump's first term. American Airlines said it plans to resume daily service to Caracas following Thursday's announcement.
Trump also stated that major U.S. oil companies are heading to Venezuela to pursue new petroleum exploration projects. He characterized relations with the interim government as "very solid, very good."
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy responded on social media that he has the matter "under control," stating: "We are clearing the way for travel between the United States and Venezuela."
The FAA confirmed it would update its guidance regarding Venezuelan airspace in response to the reopening order.