American Airlines will resume scheduled nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela for the first time in three years, another sign that long-dormant international air connections are showing signs of life.

The airline said it is collaborating closely with the U.S. government and safety bodies to obtain approvals and go through security protocols so flights can resume. The development comes after the U.S. government last week lifted a ban preventing commercial airspace over Venezuela from being used, a restriction that had been in place for more than two years because of diplomatic and safety concerns.

Restoring Flights After Years of Suspension

Commercial air service between the United States and Venezuela largely came to a halt in 2019 amid political and security tensions that led the United States to limit flights over Venezuelan airspace. At that time, American was the last major U.S. carrier flying to the country, with regular service to cities like Caracas and Maracaibo. In a press release, American Airlines touted its history serving the Venezuelan market said they were “prepared to reinstate” service as soon as certain regulatory and safety prerequisites are reached.

What Travelers and Airlines Can Expect

Although the exact schedule, routes, or launch dates have not been provided, there will surely be careful coordination with members of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Venezuelan authorities before anything becomes official. Both governments must approve and all safety reviews must be completed before service can resume.

Industry watchers have said the resumption of direct flights could significantly cut down on travel times and logistical obstacles for travelers who until now have had to depend on indirect connections through third countries to get to Venezuela. This has special significance to many Venezuelan citizens residing in the United States, as well as commercial and humanitarian travelers.

While scheduled flights haven’t returned, the broader reopening of Venezuelan airspace to commercial traffic is a seismic development after many years of being closed and there are likely other airlines that will look to take advantage further down the line as regulatory clarity improves.

Official Statement and Outlook

American Airlines, which began flying to the country of 30 million people that year and at one time served more cities in Venezuela than any U.S. airline before operations there ceased, and rival carriers have not had access in recent years to repatriated revenue that was being held by the government after ticket sales. The airline’s proposed comeback would reconnect regions of the world that have largely disappeared from America’s direct commercial aviation map.

The FAA as well as the Department of Transportation and other federal authorities have not announced a timeline for when flights will be restarting, and safety and security reviews are still underway. Still, it’s a significant step toward the return of U.S.–Venezuela commercial air service in travelnewsupdate .