Spanish airline Air Europa has become the first carrier from the Old Continent to resume regular connections with Venezuela. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed in Caracas on Tuesday evening, ending an almost three-month air blockade imposed for security reasons. This operation symbolizes the slow stabilization of the country following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces in early January of this year.

Resumption of Air Europa Flights

The Spanish carrier restored direct flights on the Madrid-Caracas route after a nearly three-month interruption caused by the unstable situation in Venezuela.

End of Air Blockade

The decision to lift restrictions followed the stabilization of the situation by U.S. forces and the appointment of an interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez.

Political Situation After Maduro

The country is under U.S. influence, which is intended to facilitate access to oil reserves and the implementation of new regulations governing the energy sector.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the first commercial aircraft from Europe in nearly three months landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetia, serving Venezuela's capital. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner belonging to the Spanish airline Air Europa took off from Madrid, restoring direct connectivity between the continents. Air connections were suspended on November 21, 2025 in response to U.S. government warnings about increasing military risk in the region, which served as a prelude to the operation to overthrow the regime. Maiquetia is reopening its gates, although passengers admit they view these trips mainly as visits to loved ones, not as permanent returns. The decision to restore flights came after an order issued on January 29 by U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered the opening of airspace following consultations with interim authorities in Caracas. The country is currently governed by Delcy Rodríguez, serving as interim administrator under an agreement with Washington. Although the new hydrocarbons law is controversial, oil interests appear to be the main driving force behind U.S. involvement in the region. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, but decades of mismanagement and sanctions have left extraction infrastructure in ruins, forcing the country into a deep humanitarian crisis. Optimism is tempered by opposition leader María Corina Machado, who announces a swift return to the country from foreign exile, where she has been since receiving the Nobel Prize. Although fear is slowly receding on the streets of Caracas, the political situation remains fragile. Other carriers, including from Portugal, have already announced the resumption of their operations, which may herald the end of Venezuela's isolation on the international stage. However, experts point out that full normalization and the return of millions of migrants is a process that will take years, if not decades. „These are the first timid rays of light in Venezuela, but the road to full freedom is still long.” — María Corina Machado89 days — duration of the interruption in flights between Europe and Caracas2025-11-21: 0, 2025-12-25: 34, 2026-01-20: 60, 2026-02-17: 89Media emphasize hope for democracy and the humanitarian aspect of opening borders, pointing to the end of dictatorship as an opportunity for citizens. | Conservative commentary focuses on the pragmatism of the Trump administration and securing oil supplies as the main goal of the intervention.

Mentioned People

  • Nicolás Maduro — Former president of Venezuela captured on January 3, 2026, during a U.S. military operation.
  • Donald Trump — President of the United States who issued a decree opening Venezuela's airspace to civilian flights.
  • María Corina Machado — Leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Nobel Prize laureate, residing in exile.
  • Delcy Rodríguez — U.S.-backed interim administrator of Venezuela after Maduro's downfall.