American Airlines Indefinitely Suspends Venezuela Service. Which Airlines Are Left?

After years of political unrest in Venezuela, the deteriorating situation has caused the country to lose another link to the rest of the world. American Airlines has indefinitely suspended service to Venezuela. This decision comes roughly two weeks after the airline temporarily suspended flights there based on security risks.

American Airlines was the last major carrier still serving Venezuela. It had been operating twice-daily flights from Miami (MIA) to the capital city Caracas (CCS) and once-daily flights from Miami to Maracaibo (MAR).

The US State Department has raised the threat level for travel to Venezuela to its highest. It strongly advises against travel to the country.

Despite the myriad issues associated with a trip to Venezuela, it is still possible to get there by air on major international carriers.

Copa Airlines still represents one of the best options to travel to the nation. It serves Caracas three times a day from its hub in Panama along with once-daily service to Maracaibo and Valencia.

From Europe, there are some nonstop options left. Most are from Spain, with Iberia, Air Europa and a minor carrier, Plus Ultra, all offering nonstops. Air France operates a single flight most days to Caracas from Paris. TAP Portugal also operates flights between Lisbon and Caracas. Turkish Airlines has several flights to Istanbul.

And, it actually is still possible to get to Venezuela on nonstop service from the US. Avior Air, a Venezuela-based carrier, offers nonstop flights between Miami and the city of Barcelona (BLA).

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