Travellers to Venezuela could gain US flights as Delta plans comeback, American expands

Delta Air Lines is drawing up plans to fly to Venezuela again after being away from the market for nine years, while American Airlines is seeking wider authority to grow its network between the United States and Venezuela. Neither airline has announced a start date, routes or schedules.

Key facts

• Delta is developing plans to return to Venezuela after an absence of nine years
• American Airlines is seeking broader authority to expand its US-Venezuela network
• Delta says recent earthquake damage has delayed progress
• No launch dates, routes, frequencies or fares have been announced

What have the airlines said?

Speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit – Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama City earlier this month, Alex Antilla, Delta's vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the Venezuelan market offered significant long-term potential, though recent earthquake damage had delayed progress.

Antilla noted that Venezuela and Colombia were once similar in market size, but that Venezuela is now a fraction of that, leaving what he described as huge growth potential. He said Delta has a lot of plans to serve Venezuela.

What is American Airlines seeking?

American Airlines is seeking broader authority to expand its network between the United States and Venezuela. The source does not specify what form that authority would take, which routes American wants to add, or when any decision is expected.

What this means for travellers

For now, nothing changes for travellers: no new flights, routes or schedules have been confirmed by either carrier. Anyone considering travel between the United States and Venezuela should watch for official announcements from the airlines on whether and when services resume or expand.

No dates have been announced for either Delta's return or a decision on American Airlines' request for broader access.