WASHINGTON – The United States is lifting its long-standing ban on commercial flights to Venezuela effective Thursday,January 29,2026,marking a important easing of restrictions following the recent political transition there. The move, announced by President Trump today, comes after discussions with Venezuela’s new leadership and signals a potential shift in U.S. policy toward the oil-rich nation. Alongside the reopening of airspace, the administration indicated a pathway for increased U.S. investment in venezuela’s energy sector.
The United States will reopen Venezuelan airspace to commercial flights this Thursday, January 29, 2026, following discussions with the country’s new leadership after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump announced today.
Speaking to reporters at a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump stated, “I just spoke with the president of Venezuela and informed them that we are opening up all commercial airspace.” He added, “American citizens will be able to go to Venezuela very shortly, and they will be safe there.”
Commercial airlines largely suspended flights to Caracas after a warning issued on November 21 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which preceded the January 3rd military action that led to Maduro’s ouster. The flight restrictions had been repeatedly extended.
“Venezuela va a ganar más dinero que nunca antes”
Trump also revealed that major U.S. oil companies are preparing to visit Venezuela to explore potential projects. “We have the big oil companies heading to Venezuela, inspecting and choosing locations, and they’re going to bring tremendous wealth back to Venezuela and to the United States,” he explained. The move signals a potential shift in energy policy and increased U.S. investment in Venezuelan oil reserves.
“The relationships have been very strong, very good,” Trump said, referring to the current government in Venezuela. “Venezuela, in fact, is going to make more money than ever before, and that’s a good thing,” he asserted.
On Wednesday, Washington announced the implementation of a control mechanism for Venezuelan oil revenues. Funds generated from oil sales are deposited in Qatar and then transferred to the Rodríguez government, subject to monthly expenditure monitoring. This system is designed to stabilize Venezuela and ensure that oil income benefits the Venezuelan people.
This development comes as Venezuela seeks to rebuild its economy following a period of political and economic turmoil. The reopening of airspace and potential oil investments could provide a significant boost to the country’s recovery.
rr afp/reuters/ap
