Air Europa Flight Marks Return of European Commercial Flights to Venezuela

A Boeing 787-9 operated by Spain’s Air Europa landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas on February 17, 2026, marking the first European commercial flight to Venezuela since the political transition following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power in January 2026.

Background of Flight Suspensions

International airlines largely suspended services to Venezuela after the United States Federal Aviation Administration issued advisories regarding potential military activity in Venezuelan airspace in late November 2025. This followed a US military operation that led to Maduro’s capture and arrest on January 3, 2026, on charges of narcoterrorism.

Political Shift and Resumption of Flights

Following Maduro’s removal, a cooperative relationship developed between the United States and Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez. US President Donald Trump urged the resumption of flights to Venezuela in late January 2026. The US administration subsequently lifted a 2019 prohibition on US airlines flying to Venezuela.

Other Airlines Planning Return

Several other airlines are similarly preparing to resume flights to Venezuela. Spanish carrier Iberia is assessing security guarantees before announcing its return. Portugal’s TAP has announced it will resume flights, even as Colombian airline Avianca and Panama’s Copa have already restarted their services.

Simón Bolívar International Airport

Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), also known as Maiquetía, is the main international air passenger gateway to Venezuela, serving Caracas, located approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) to the west. The airport is a hub for Avior Airlines, Aerolíneas Estelar, Albatros Airlines, Conviasa, LASER Airlines, RUTACA Airlines, and Venezolana. In 2022, the airport handled a total of 8,244,064 passengers.