Commercial flights between Panama and Venezuela are gearing up to resume after nearly a year of hiatus due to political tensions, as confirmed by Pilotcenter.net News. The Civil Aviation Authority of Panama stated that the decision to temporarily halt commercial flights came after Venezuela suspended all flights to and from Panama on July 31, 2024, following civil unrest post the Venezuelan presidential election on July 28, 2024.

This move was made by the Venezuelan government in response to perceived international interference or criticism surrounding the contested election. Now, with a statement released on May 22, 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama declared that flights between the two nations will resume “under the principle of reciprocity,” ensuring operations align with the technical capacities of airlines from both countries.

Although an official announcement from the Venezuelan government is awaited, Marisela De Loaiza, Executive President of Association of Venezuelan Airlines (ALAV), hinted at the green light for airlines to recommence operations, as long as permits and itineraries are in order. Media reports indicate that selected commercial airlines wasted no time in promoting flights between Panama and Venezuela as early as May 22, 2025.

Copa, a prominent Panamanian carrier, wasted no time in announcing the restart of flights, with plans underway to finalize schedules. Meanwhile, Venezolana Airlines also joined in the fray by advertising a flight set to take off on May 23, 2025. Furthermore, it was noted in March 2025 that deportation flights for undocumented Venezuelan migrants returning home via Honduras had resumed, as part of the Bolivarian Government's repatriation efforts for migrants from the US.