American Airlines to Resume Caracas and Maracaibo Flights, Jet Fuel Costs Soar
The U.S. Transportation Department approved American Airlines to resume Miami–Caracas and Miami–Maracaibo flights via its Envoy subsidiary after a six-year ban was lifted in January 2026. Surging jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict have driven thousands of flight cancellations and increased American Airlines’ operating costs.
1. Venezuela Route Approval
The U.S. Transportation Department issued approval on March 4 for American Airlines to operate Miami–Caracas and Miami–Maracaibo services through its wholly owned Envoy regional carrier, following Secretary Duffy’s January 2026 decision to rescind a 2019 ban on U.S. airlines flying to Venezuela.
2. Resumption Logistics
Before relaunching, the Transportation Security Administration conducted a security review of Caracas airport last week, paving the way for American Airlines to restart Venezuelan flights for the first time in over six years, with operations slated to begin later this year.
3. Rising Fuel Costs and Cancellations
Jet fuel prices have spiked sharply due to the Middle East conflict, triggering thousands of flight cancellations across carriers and pressuring American Airlines’ margins as it faces higher fuel expenses and potential capacity adjustments.