Venezuela’s Avior Airlines has petitioned the U.S. government to restart the operation of flights between the two countries. The airline filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Feb. 3, asking for a two-year permit to fly from Caracas, Maracaibo and Barcelona, Venezuela, to Miami and Houston, U.S.
Ready for Market Reopening
The move comes after a major policy shift, following the U.S. military operation on Jan. 3 that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The operation caused immediate aviation disruption, prompting the FAA to issue emergency airspace restrictions over Venezuela and nearby Caribbean airspace for safety reasons.
In late January, the U.S. said it would reopen airspace over Venezuela. A 2019 ban that suspended all flights on safety grounds was lifted.
Avior now stated it is “ready to resume serving the U.S. market” as soon as Venezuela regains a Category 1 safety rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline emphasised it is a privately-owned company with no financial ties to the Venezuelan government.
Plans for U.S. Flights
Avior’s detailed request seeks permission for passenger, cargo, and mail flights. The proposed new routes include Caracas-Miami, Maracaibo-Miami, and Barcelona-Houston.
The airline already holds dormant authority for Barcelona-Miami scheduled flights and broad charter rights. Since 2016, it has repeatedly tried to add Caracas-Miami service.
The application to the U.S. DOT includes evidence of its financial fitness, safety record, and fleet of eight Boeing 737-400 aircraft.
Other Airlines Also Interested
Avior is not alone in this venture. American Airlines has also said it is ready to restart daily flights to Venezuela, while Venezuelan carrier Laser Airlines has also renewed its U.S. application.
Before the 2019 ban, the U.S.-Venezuela market saw over 360,000 annual seats and nearly 602,000 passengers. The return of multiple carriers could swiftly restore connectivity and competition on these routes.
Will Avior win U.S. approval and become a key airline for Venezuela–U.S. travel? Share your thoughts in the comments.
