Two major US cargo airlines, Atlas Air and ABX Air, have filed requests with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for temporary authority to operate cargo flights to Venezuela, marking the first attempt to restore commercial air freight service between the countries since the US suspended air transport in 2019 over safety and security concerns, according to FreightWaves.
Context: Political Shift and Natural Disaster
The push to resume flights follows a dramatic political change in Venezuela. On Jan. 3, 2026, a US military operation ordered by President Donald Trump resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Venezuela’s new interim government has since re-established diplomatic and economic relationships with the United States, and the departments of transportation and homeland security have lifted suspension orders for flights to Venezuela, according to FreightWaves. Compounding the need for air cargo, devastating earthquakes struck the South American nation over the weekend, with more than 1,700 people killed and tens of thousands of buildings damaged or destroyed.
Carrier Requests and Plans
Atlas Air asked the DOT for an exemption to the US-Venezuela Air Transport Agreement that would allow it to begin flying to Caracas on Aug. 1, with route authority requested for two years, according to a regulatory filing posted on Monday. The airline plans to initiate operations with a Boeing 767-300 cargo jet between Miami, New York, Houston, and Los Angeles and the Venezuelan capital, but could upgrade to a larger aircraft depending on demand. The initial route planned is Miami–Caracas–Bogotá, Colombia–Miami. Notably, Atlas Air said it would not upload any local cargo in Caracas, meaning its flights to the US will only carry goods originating from Colombia and other onward destinations, not Venezuelan exports.
ABX Air, a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, earlier this month requested an exemption to engage in scheduled and charter all-cargo service between points in the eastern half of the United States and Venezuela, also for two years. ABX initially plans to operate charter service between Miami and Caracas using its fleet of Boeing 767 converted freighters. Atlas Air told the DOT it does not object to ABX’s request as long as its own request is granted at the same time, according to the report.
| Carrier | Aircraft | Initial Route | Authority Requested | Local Cargo Upload in Caracas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Air | Boeing 767-300 | Miami–Caracas–Bogotá–Miami | 2 years, starting Aug. 1 | No |
| ABX Air | Boeing 767 converted freighter | Miami–Caracas (charter) | 2 years | Not specified |
Operational Impact and Implications
Under the US-Venezuela Air Transport Services Agreement, there are no limitations on the number of all-cargo carriers that may be designated for service to Venezuela. The DOT recently granted Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, an exemption to conduct scheduled passenger service to Caracas. For freight forwarders and logistics managers, the potential resumption of air cargo capacity to Venezuela could alleviate critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and reconstruction materials in the wake of the earthquake. However, Atlas Air’s restriction on uploading local cargo means that outbound capacity from Venezuela may remain limited unless other carriers fill the gap.
Latam Airlines (Colombia-based) has already stepped in with humanitarian aid, donating two special freighter flights carrying about 100 tons of aid, including field hospital equipment, water and sanitation systems, power generators, and critical medical supplies, according to FreightWaves. Atlas Air said it planned the Venezuela service prior to the earthquake but is available to assist with recovery efforts if called upon.
Watch List
- DOT decision timeline: Both exemption requests are pending. Approval could come quickly given the emergency situation.
- Earthquake demand surge: Massive rebuilding needs will drive urgent air freight demand for heavy equipment and medical supplies.
- Carrier interest: With no limits on all-cargo carriers, other US-based cargo airlines may also file for authority if conditions stabilize.
- Onward connectivity: Atlas Air’s multi-stop routing via Colombia could establish a new air freight corridor connecting the US, Venezuela, and South America.
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