US-operated deportation flights to Venezuela will proceed as scheduled. This decision defies recent threats from President Donald Trump regarding the closure of the South American nation’s airspace.
President Nicolas Maduro’s government confirmed the news on Tuesday. Officials stated that the scheduled twice-weekly repatriation flights will continue.
This development follows a direct request from the Trump administration. It signals a diplomatic workaround amidst a volatile political climate.
A Rapid Policy Reversal
The announcement marks a swift reversal of the narrative. On Saturday, the Venezuelan government claimed that US immigration authorities had unilaterally suspended the flights. However, Tuesday’s update clarifies that operations remain active.
To validate the program’s continuation, Venezuela’s foreign affairs minister released proof. He publicized an overflight and landing application submitted on Monday. The request, filed by US-based carrier Eastern Airlines, seeks permission for an arrival on Wednesday.
Increasing Repatriations
These flights are part of a steady stream of deportations. The pace has accelerated significantly this year.
Facing pressure from the White House, President Maduro recently dismantled a key policy. He ended his long-standing refusal to accept deportees from the United States.
Since that shift, immigrants have been arriving regularly at the airport in Caracas. US government contractors or Venezuela’s state-owned airline typically manage these operations. Data indicates that more than 13,000 immigrants have returned to Venezuela through this corridor so far this year.
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