# Venezuela and Aruba Reestablish Flight Connections After Seven-Year Hiatus

*Venezuela and the Dutch island of Aruba are set to resume flight connections for the first time since 2019.*

August 1, 2026 · World

Venezuela and the Dutch island of Aruba are set to resume flight connections for the first time since 2019, Aruban authorities announced on Friday. The resumption of flights marks a significant step towards normalizing relations between the two nations after a prolonged period of suspension due to political tensions.

## Background of the Suspension

The suspension of flights between Venezuela and Aruba occurred in 2019 when Venezuela's then-leader Nicolas Maduro banned all sea and air links with the ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—in response to an attempt by the opposition to bring US humanitarian aid into Venezuela via these islands. Maduro viewed this move as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.

## Resumption of Flights

Aruba's Transport Minister Wendrick Cicilia announced that flight connections will resume from Saturday. 'In this first phase, the air border will be opened to commercial flights, which will be allowed to operate between Aruba and Venezuela,' he said. Notably, sea connections had resumed several months after the dispute in 2019.

The resumption of flights is expected to facilitate travel and trade between the two regions, potentially boosting tourism and economic activities. It also signifies a thawing of relations following years of strained diplomatic ties.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/venezuela-aruba-resume-flights