A Boeing 787-9 from Spain’s Air Europa arrived in Caracas on Tuesday, marking the first European commercial flight to land in Venezuela since the United States overthrew President Nicolas Maduro
A Boeing 787-9 operated by Spain’s Air Europa landed at Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT) on Tuesday, representing the first European commercial flight into Venezuela since the United States toppled President Nicolas Maduro.
The flight tracking monitor confirmed the arrival, signalling a gradual return of international carriers that had halted operations following a warning from US aviation authorities about potential military activity in Venezuelan airspace late in November.
Context of international flight suspensions
A number of international airlines suspended services to Venezuela after the US Federal Aviation Administration issued advisories about flying over the country amid escalating tensions. The suspension came before a surprise US attack on the nation that culminated in the capture of Maduro and his transfer to the US to face narcoterrorism charges.
Since the US military operation, which resulted in Nicolas Maduro’s overthrow and arrest in early January, relations between the United States and Venezuela’s interim government have evolved. US President Donald Trump has fostered a cooperative rapport with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, and late last month he urged the resumption of flights to Venezuela.
Other airlines preparing to return
Spanish carrier Iberia is assessing security guarantees ahead of announcing its own return to flight operations, according to Spanish press reports.
Portugal’s TAP has said it will resume flights, while Colombian airline Avianca and Panama’s Copa have already restarted their services to the country.
In a move aimed at encouraging the resumption of flights by US carriers, the Trump administration lifted a 2019 prohibition on US airlines flying to Venezuela.
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