U.S. Requests Venezuelan Migrant Repatriation Flights Amid Political Tensions

The U.S. and Venezuelan governments are quietly coordinating on migrant returns, despite rising political tensions between the two countries.

In an official communiqué, Venezuela’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that the U.S. requested permission to resume repatriation flights. The approval allows Eastern Airlines to continue operating flights between Phoenix, Arizona, and Maiquetía, which have been taking place every Wednesday and Friday.

According to the ministry, the flights are part of “Plan Vuelta a la Patria”, a government programme that helps Venezuelans return home and reunite with their families.

This cooperation comes at a time of rising tensions. In recent weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped up military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific, where at least 21 vessels have been struck since September.

Trump has also labelled President Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist” and announced the closure of Venezuelan airspace. The Venezuelan government has condemned these moves as “colonialist threats” and violations of international law.