REGIONAL RECONNECTION: Colombian flag carrier Avianca announced February 6, 2026, that it will resume daily nonstop flights between Bogotá (BOG) and Caracas (CCS) starting Wednesday, February 12, 2026—restoring one of South America’s most important air corridors after a 2-month suspension that began November 29, 2025, when Venezuela’s airspace restrictions forced widespread service cancellations. The Airbus A320-operated route (AV142/AV143) represents the first major Latin American carrier resumption following the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy reversal, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s diplomatic normalization efforts, and the January 3 US military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro. With 60+ years of continuous service in Venezuela, Avianca’s return signals growing confidence that regional aviation safety and operational standards meet international requirements—complementing American Airlines’ planned Miami-Caracas resumption and Copa Airlines’ January 13 Panama-Caracas restart as the Venezuelan commercial aviation market gradually reopens after years of isolation.
Published: February 10, 2026
Launch Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2026 (2 DAYS AWAY)
Route: Bogotá (BOG) ↔ Caracas (CCS), Venezuela
Frequency: Daily service (7 days/week)
Aircraft: Airbus A320 (150-180 seats)
Flight Numbers: AV142 (Bogotá→Caracas), AV143 (Caracas→Bogotá)
Schedule:
- AV142: Depart Bogotá 07:40 → Arrive Caracas 10:40 (local times)
- AV143: Depart Caracas 12:10 → Arrive Bogotá 13:15 (local times)
Suspension Period: November 29, 2025 – February 12, 2026 (75 days)
Avianca Venezuela History: 60+ years of continuous service
What’s Launching Wednesday
Starting February 12, 2026 (this Wednesday), Avianca reinstates its flagship Colombia-Venezuela connection:
The Schedule
Morning Departure (Business-Focused):
- Flight AV142: Bogotá (BOG) → Caracas (CCS)
- Departure: 07:40 (Colombia time)
- Arrival: 10:40 (Venezuela time) Note: Venezuela is 30 minutes ahead of Colombia
- Flight time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Target passengers: Business travelers, morning connections
Midday Return:
- Flight AV143: Caracas (CCS) → Bogotá (BOG)
- Departure: 12:10 (Venezuela time)
- Arrival: 13:15 (Colombia time)
- Flight time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Target passengers: Return business travel, afternoon connections through Bogotá
The Aircraft: Airbus A320
Fleet workhorse:
- Capacity: 150-180 passengers (configuration varies)
- Range: Perfect for 700-mile Bogotá-Caracas route
- Reliability: Industry-standard narrow-body
- Fuel efficient: Lower operating costs than older Boeing 737s
Why A320:
- Right-sized for demand (not too large, not too small)
- Avianca has dozens in fleet (easy to deploy/substitute)
- Modern cabin amenities
- Proven reliability on Latin American routes
Booking Available NOW
Tickets on sale via:
- ✅ Avianca.com: Official website (best prices, LifeMiles redemption)
- ✅ Avianca mobile app: iOS/Android (mobile-exclusive deals sometimes)
- ✅ Physical sales offices: Bogotá, Caracas, major cities
- ✅ Travel agencies: Traditional agencies + online (Expedia, etc.)
- ✅ Contact center: Phone reservations (Colombia: +57 601 401 3434)
Fare expectations:
- Economy: Likely $150-250 USD one-way (based on historical pricing)
- Business/flex: $300-400 USD one-way
- LifeMiles (loyalty): Award redemption available (12,500-25,000 miles one-way typically)
Why the 2-Month Suspension Happened
Avianca didn’t voluntarily cancel service—it was forced to stop due to Venezuelan airspace restrictions:
November 29, 2025: The Closure
What happened:
- Venezuela imposed severe airspace restrictions
- Trump administration issued “completely closed” declaration
- International carriers faced safety/operational warnings
- Avianca suspended all Caracas service November 29, 2025
Why:
- Political tensions (Trump vs Maduro regime)
- Safety concerns (Venezuelan air traffic control, airport maintenance)
- Diplomatic breakdown (US-Venezuela relations severed 2019)
January 2026: The Reopening
January 3: US military operation captures Maduro, US begins “running” Venezuela (Trump statement)
January 4: Venezuelan airspace reopens after 24-hour Caribbean closure
January 29: Trump administration lifts commercial flight restrictions
February 6: Avianca announces February 12 resumption (this announcement)
February 12: Service resumes (Wednesday—2 days away)
Avianca’s 60+ Year Venezuela Commitment
Avianca isn’t a newcomer—it’s been serving Venezuela for over six decades:
Historical Presence
1960s: Avianca begins Venezuela operations
- Connects Caracas to Bogotá, regional cities
- Establishes maintenance/support infrastructure
1970s-1990s: Peak operations
- Multiple daily flights
- Expanded domestic Venezuelan routes
- Cargo operations flourish
2000s-2010s: Modernization
- New aircraft (Airbus A320 family)
- Code-sharing with Star Alliance partners
- Digital booking systems
2019-2025: Turbulence
- Venezuelan political crisis reduces operations
- November 2025: Complete suspension
- Infrastructure challenges mount
2026: Resumption
- February 12: Service restarts
- Daily frequency restored
- Commitment reaffirmed
Why Avianca Returned First (Among Latin Carriers)
Geographic advantage:
- Colombia-Venezuela share 1,370-mile border
- Close cultural/economic ties
- Large Venezuelan diaspora in Colombia
Operational expertise:
- 60+ years experience navigating Venezuelan challenges
- Local staff knowledge
- Airport familiarity (Simón Bolívar International)
Business case:
- Bogotá-Caracas historically profitable
- Binational trade/tourism demand
- Hub connectivity (Bogotá connects to dozens of Latin cities)
Who Else Is Flying to Venezuela Now
Avianca joins a small but growing group of carriers resuming Venezuela service:
Active Carriers (As of February 2026)
Copa Airlines (Panama):
- Resumed: January 13, 2026
- Route: Panama City (PTY) ↔ Caracas (CCS)
- Frequency: Daily
- Significance: First major carrier back post-Maduro
American Airlines (USA):
- Announced: January 30, 2026
- Route: Miami (MIA) ↔ Caracas (CCS)
- Status: Pending FAA/TSA approval
- Estimated launch: March-April 2026
Avianca (Colombia):
- Resuming: February 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Route: Bogotá (BOG) ↔ Caracas (CCS)
- Frequency: Daily
Wingo (Colombia – Low-Cost):
- Resumed: Early February 2026
- Route: Bogotá ↔ Caracas
- Frequency: Several weekly
Still Suspended
European Carriers:
- Iberia (Spain): Suspended late 2025, no resumption announcement
- Air Europa (Spain): Suspended, evaluating return
- TAP Portugal: Suspended, no timeline
- Plus Ultra (Spain): Suspended
Turkish Airlines:
- Suspended 2025
- Previously operated Istanbul-Caracas
- No resumption plans announced
LATAM Airlines:
- Suspended Venezuela operations
- Monitoring situation
The Colombia-Venezuela Relationship
This route restoration is about more than aviation—it’s geopolitical reconnection:
Decades of Complex Ties
Geographic reality:
- 1,370-mile shared border (longest for both countries)
- Interconnected economies: Trade, energy, labor migration
- Cultural ties: Shared language, history, colonial legacy
Political tensions (2015-2025):
- Venezuela crisis under Maduro
- Colombian President Duque vs Maduro feud
- Border closures (sporadic)
- Refugee crisis: 2+ million Venezuelans fled to Colombia
2026 reset:
- Maduro gone (captured January 3)
- Delcy Rodríguez interim government cooperating internationally
- Colombia-Venezuela relations improving
- Aviation resumption = symbol of normalization
Economic Impact
Binational trade:
- Colombia-Venezuela trade historically $1-2 billion annually
- Collapsed during Maduro years
- Direct flights enable business reconnection
Tourism:
- Colombians visiting Venezuelan family/friends
- Venezuelans visiting Colombian diaspora
- Leisure tourism (Angel Falls, Margarita Island potential)
Humanitarian:
- Family reunification
- Medical travel (Venezuelans seeking Colombian healthcare)
- NGO/aid organization access
Safety & Security: The Comprehensive Assessment
Avianca emphasized that resumption followed “comprehensive evaluation of operational and aviation safety conditions”:
What Was Evaluated
Airport infrastructure (Simón Bolívar International, Caracas):
- Runway condition, lighting, navaids
- Fire/rescue capabilities
- Terminal facilities, gates
- Ground equipment functionality
Air traffic control:
- ATC staff competency
- Radar/communication systems
- Coordination protocols
- Emergency procedures
Security protocols:
- Passenger/baggage screening
- Access control (sterile areas, ramp)
- Counterterrorism measures
- Airport police capabilities
Regulatory compliance:
- Venezuelan civil aviation authority (INAC) standards
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adherence
- Colombian civil aviation oversight
Operational factors:
- Fuel quality/availability
- Ground handling services
- Weather monitoring systems
- Emergency response coordination
Authorities Involved
Colombian side:
- Aerocivil (Colombian CAA): Approved Avianca’s resumption
- Colombian Ministry of Transport: Diplomatic coordination
Venezuelan side:
- INAC (Venezuelan CAA): Granted landing rights
- Venezuelan Ministry of Transport: Operational approvals
International oversight:
- ICAO: Venezuela’s compliance with international standards
- IATA: Industry safety standards
The Bottom Line
Avianca concluded that safety standards meet operational requirements for daily service resumption. This doesn’t mean “perfect”—but acceptable risk level for commercial operations.
What Passengers Can Expect
Booking & Check-In
Online check-in:
- Opens 24 hours before departure
- Available via Avianca.com or mobile app
- Select seats, add baggage, print boarding pass
Airport check-in:
- Arrive 2-3 hours early (international flight)
- Counters open 3 hours before departure
- Expect longer lines initially (pent-up demand)
Baggage Allowance
Economy:
- Carry-on: 1 bag (10kg/22lbs max) + 1 personal item
- Checked: Varies by fare type
- Basic economy: May require fee ($25-50 USD)
- Standard economy: 1 bag (23kg/50lbs) included
- Flexible economy: 2 bags included
Business:
- Carry-on: 2 bags
- Checked: 2 bags (32kg/70lbs each)
In-Flight Service
Short flight (1.5 hours):
- Light meal or snack (depending on time of day)
- Beverage service (soft drinks, coffee, tea)
- No extensive meal service (too short)
Amenities:
- In-flight entertainment: Seat-back screens on some A320s (not all)
- WiFi: NOT available on most Avianca A320s
- Power outlets: Limited (newer aircraft only)
Arrival in Caracas
Immigration:
- Colombians: Typically quick (regional agreement)
- Other nationalities: Standard immigration process
- Bring valid passport + any required Venezuelan visa
Baggage claim:
- Monitor screens for belt number
- Expect potential delays (Caracas infrastructure aging)
Ground transportation:
- Taxis: Available outside terminal (negotiate fare in advance)
- Hotel shuttles: Pre-arranged with hotels
- Rental cars: Limited availability post-crisis
Security Considerations
US State Department warning (Venezuela):
- Level 4: Do Not Travel
- Risks: Crime, kidnapping, wrongful detention, poor health infrastructure
Colombian government advice:
- Exercise extreme caution
- Avoid certain Caracas neighborhoods
- Register with Colombian embassy
Practical tips:
- Don’t display valuables
- Use hotel-arranged transportation
- Stay in known safe areas
- Have emergency contacts ready
Connecting Through Bogotá
Avianca’s Caracas service enables connectivity to dozens of cities via Bogotá hub:
Sample Connections
From Caracas to:
- Miami, USA: Connect via Bogotá (daily)
- New York (JFK), USA: Via Bogotá
- Los Angeles, USA: Via Bogotá
- Madrid, Spain: Via Bogotá (Avianca operates to Europe)
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: Via Bogotá
- Lima, Peru: Via Bogotá
- Quito, Ecuador: Via Bogotá
- San José, Costa Rica: Via Bogotá
To Caracas from:
- Any city above reverses the routing
Connection times:
- Minimum: 2-3 hours (Bogotá is efficient hub)
- Recommended: 3-4 hours (allow for potential delays)
LifeMiles (Loyalty Program):
- Avianca’s frequent flyer program
- Earn miles on Caracas flights
- Redeem for upgrades, award tickets
- Star Alliance partnership (earn on United, Lufthansa, etc.)
Comparing to Other Venezuela Routes
Avianca Bogotá-Caracas vs Copa Panama-Caracas
Avianca:
- Flight time: 1.5 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Connections: Bogotá hub (extensive South American network)
- Historical presence: 60+ years in Venezuela
Copa:
- Flight time: 2 hours
- Frequency: Daily
- Connections: Panama City hub (strong US connectivity)
- Historical presence: Decades of service
Which is better:
- For Colombians/Venezuelans: Avianca (direct neighboring countries)
- For US travelers: Copa (easier Panama-US connections)
- For South America: Avianca (better regional network)
Avianca vs Planned American Airlines
Avianca Bogotá-Caracas:
- Launch: February 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Status: Confirmed, tickets on sale
- Market: Regional (Colombia-Venezuela)
American Miami-Caracas:
- Launch: TBD (March-April 2026 estimated)
- Status: Pending FAA/TSA approval
- Market: US-Venezuela (diaspora, business)
Complementary, not competitive:
- Serve different markets
- Both benefit from normalized Venezuela aviation
The Bigger Picture: Venezuela Aviation Recovery
Avianca’s February 12 resumption is part of a gradual reopening of Venezuelan commercial aviation:
Recovery Timeline
November 2025: Complete closure (Trump declaration)
January 3, 2026: US operation, Maduro captured
January 4, 2026: Airspace reopens
January 13, 2026: Copa Airlines resumes (first back)
January 30, 2026: American Airlines announces plans
February 12, 2026: Avianca resumes (Wednesday)
March-April 2026 (projected): American launches, others follow?
Mid-2026 (potential): European carriers assess return
What’s Needed for Full Recovery
Infrastructure investment:
- Airport renovations (terminals, runways, equipment)
- ATC system upgrades
- Security enhancements
Regulatory stability:
- Consistent ICAO compliance
- Transparent INAC (Venezuelan CAA) operations
- International confidence rebuilding
Political stability:
- Rodríguez interim government → permanent government transition
- Democratic reforms
- Economic stabilization
Safety track record:
- Months/years of incident-free operations
- Positive FAA assessments
- Industry confidence growth
Timeline estimate: 12-24 months for “normal” levels of international service
FAQs
Q: Can I book Avianca’s Caracas flights right now? A: Yes! Tickets available at avianca.com, mobile app, and other channels.
Q: How much will tickets cost? A: Expect $150-250 USD one-way economy (historical basis). Check avianca.com for current fares.
Q: Is it safe to fly to Venezuela? A: Aviation safety: Avianca confirmed safety standards met. Personal safety: US State Department says Level 4 (Do Not Travel) due to crime/kidnapping risks. Travel at your own risk.
Q: Can I connect through Bogotá to other cities? A: Yes! Bogotá is major hub. Connections to US, Europe, South America available. Allow 2-3+ hour buffers.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Venezuela? A: Depends on nationality. Colombians: Generally no visa for short stays. US/EU citizens: Check Venezuelan embassy for current requirements.
Q: Will Avianca add more Venezuela routes? A: Possibly. Historically served Maracaibo, other cities. If Caracas performs well, expansion likely.
Q: What if my flight gets cancelled? A: Avianca will rebook or refund. Given early stage of resumption, delays/cancellations possible as operations stabilize.
The Bottom Line
Avianca’s Wednesday, February 12, 2026 resumption of daily Bogotá-Caracas service marks a major milestone in Venezuela’s aviation recovery and Colombia-Venezuela relationship normalization. After a 75-day suspension triggered by November 2025 airspace restrictions, the Colombian flag carrier’s return—backed by comprehensive safety assessments and 60+ years of operational history—signals growing international confidence that Venezuelan commercial aviation meets acceptable standards.
For travelers, this means:
- ✅ Direct access restored between neighboring capitals
- ✅ Daily convenience (morning departure, midday return)
- ✅ Hub connectivity (Bogotá’s extensive network opens up)
- ✅ Competitive pricing (multiple carriers = better fares)
However, significant cautions remain:
- ⚠️ Security risks (US State Department Level 4 warning)
- ⚠️ Infrastructure challenges (aging airports, limited services)
- ⚠️ Political uncertainty (interim government, transition ahead)
Avianca’s resumption joins Copa Airlines (operational since January 13) and pending American Airlines (March-April launch) in gradually rebuilding Venezuela’s international connectivity. Whether this becomes sustained recovery or temporary reopening depends on political stability, infrastructure improvements, and months of safe operational performance.
For the 2+ million Venezuelans living in Colombia and countless families separated by years of flight suspensions, Wednesday’s resumption is deeply personal—a chance to reconnect that transcends aviation statistics.
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Posted By : Vinay
As a lead contributor for Travel Tourister, Vinay is dedicated to serving our Tier 1 audience (US, UK, Canada, Australia). His mission is to deliver precise, fact-checked news and actionable, data-driven articles that empower readers to make informed decisions, minimize travel risks, and maximize their adventure without compromising safety or budget.
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