DHS RESCINDS THREAT DETERMINATION AT VENEZUELAN AIRPORTS
May 12, 2026
Eckert Seamans has prepared the information in this update for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice nor substitute for legal advice. Neither your receipt of information from this website nor your use of this website to contact Eckert Seamans or one of its attorneys creates an attorney-client relationship, as the firm may, for example, already represent another party involved in your matter. Accordingly, you should not provide confidential information to Eckert Seamans. Persons seeking legal advice should consult a licensed professional attorney in their state. The firm’s Terms of Use, Legal Notice, and Disclaimer detailed herein are expressly incorporated into the Aviation Regulatory Update.
On April 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded its prior June 2019 determination that conditions in Venezuela threatened the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew. Following threat assessments at Maiquetía “Simón Bolívar” International Airport (“CCS”) in Caracas and the fact that TSA re-established direct communications with the National Institute of Civil Aviation of Venezuela, DHS recently reversed course and determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer threaten the safety and security of air travel. This comes as U.S. and foreign air carriers are working with regulators to resume direct passenger and cargo flights between the United States and Venezuela. For instance, American Airlines announced plans this month to resume non-stop service from Miami to CCS starting on April 30, 2026. As diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States improve, the latest DHS notice coincides with passengers now being able to purchase tickets on the American Airlines website for daily nonstop flights between the United States and Venezuela after a nearly seven (7) year suspension. Other U.S. and foreign air carriers are expected to follow suit to meet pent-up demand.
This Aviation Blog Post is intended to keep readers current on developments in the law. It is not intended to be legal advice. If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr at 202.659.6622 or esahr@eckertseamans.com; Drew Derco at 202.659.6665 or dderco@eckertseamans.com; Tyler Myers at 202.659.6642 or trmyers@eckertseamans.com, or any other attorney at Eckert Seamans with whom you have been working.
Share This Post
Authors
