WASHINGTON D.C January 29, 2026 — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has directed his administration to immediately reopen all commercial airspace over Venezuela, marking a significant step toward normalizing travel between the United States and the South American nation.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump revealed that he had personally spoken with Venezuela’s acting president and informed her of the decision.
“I just spoke to the president of Venezuela and informed her that we’re going to be opening up all commercial airspace over Venezuela,” Trump said. “American citizens will be, very shortly, able to go to Venezuela — and they’ll be safe there.”
The president added that the country is now “under very strong control” and noted that many people, including those with family connections, have expressed interest in visiting.
Trump instructed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and other officials, including the military, to complete the reopening by the end of the day.
The move follows recent political changes in Venezuela, including the reported removal of former leader Nicolás Maduro earlier in January 2026. Major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines, have indicated plans to resume direct flights once approvals are finalized.
The announcement signals a potential thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations and could facilitate increased travel, business, and family reunifications. However, travelers should monitor official U.S. State Department guidance for the latest safety information.
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