American Airlines has halted all flights to Venezuela as of last month. The carrier was the last major U.S. airline serving the country, operating daily routes from Miami (MIA) to Caracas (CCS) and Maracaibo (MAR).
The suspension follows safety concerns raised by the pilots’ union, which advised members to refuse assignments on daily flights to Venezuela. In late January, the U.S. State Department issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela, citing crime, civil unrest, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.
The advisory comes amid growing political tension in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro’s administration has prevented or jailed opposition figures from participating in recent electoral contests. The United States withdrew its remaining diplomatic staff from the country last Thursday.
“American will not operate to countries we don’t consider safe,” said company spokesperson Ross Feinstein.
Other U.S. carriers ended Venezuela service years earlier: United Airlines and Delta Air Lines ceased flights in 2017. Several international carriers have also suspended routes, often citing safety issues and financial disputes, including claims that the Venezuelan government owed substantial sums. In one recent incident, an Air Europa crew was reportedly held at gunpoint in Caracas.
The decision by American Airlines reflects ongoing concerns over passenger and crew safety as well as the broader security and political environment in Venezuela. Travelers and industry observers will likely watch closely for any developments that could prompt a resumption of service in the future.