Venezuela has agreed to restart migrant repatriation flights from the United States, just days after saying the program had been stopped because of comments made by US President Donald Trump. The Venezuelan transportation ministry confirmed on Tuesday that President Nicolás Maduro approved a new flight request from Washington.
According to the ministry, the US government asked Venezuela to allow a repatriation flight to land, and the Aeronautic Authority gave the approval. The ministry also said an Eastern Airlines flight coming from Phoenix has now been cleared to land at Maiquetía Airport near Caracas.
These flights had been taking place twice a week, helping Venezuelans who wished to return home. But over the weekend, Caracas said Trump’s claim that Venezuelan airspace was “closed in its entirety” created uncertainty and amounted to a sudden halt of the program. His comments increased tension between both two countries as his administration continues to pressure President Maduro.
The remarks confused Venezuela, as many believed the repatriation flights had stopped completely. However, Tuesday’s approval shows that the program is continuing despite political disagreements. The Venezuelan government said it is still willing to cooperate on returns as long as communication between both countries remains clear.
Between February and November, nearly 14,000 Venezuelan migrants returned home from the US through these flights. Many had been affected by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, which increased removals and tightened border enforcement. The repatriation flights helped thousands reunite with their families in Venezuela after struggling in the United States.
Authorities in Caracas say they want the flights to continue because many citizens are still requesting assistance to return home. They also stressed that political statements should not disrupt humanitarian programs. The approval of the latest flight suggests that both governments are trying to keep the process running despite growing tension.
Are repatriation flights now fully restored?
Not completely. Venezuela approved this new request, but future flights will still depend on political communication and permission from both countries.