JetBlue intends to launch its first-ever nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Caracas, Venezuela, before the end of 2026, pending government approvals, the airline announced on Thursday.
The proposed route would operate between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Maiquetía. JetBlue plans to use Airbus A320 aircraft on the route, offering its standard in-flight amenities including free Wi-Fi, seatback entertainment, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in the coming months, though the airline emphasized that the service remains subject to receipt of government authorization and completion of applicable processes to operate in Venezuela.
The new route follows JetBlue’s recent expansion in Fort Lauderdale, where the airline unveiled its largest-ever schedule increase with 11 new destinations and additional frequencies on existing routes across the US, Latin America and the Caribbean. The carrier expects nearly 130 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale this summer, making the airport one of its main gateways in the region.
JetBlue’s announcement comes as U.S. airlines gradually return to Venezuela after years of suspension during Nicolás Maduro’s government, which was marked by restrictions on foreign carriers and tensions with Washington.
American Airlines resumed Miami-Caracas service in March, and United Airlines plans to restart Houston-Caracas flights in August, both after nearly a decade-long hiatus. JetBlue’s entry would add a South Florida alternative, connecting the area’s large Venezuelan diaspora with frequent flights to Caracas.
“Fort Lauderdale continues to serve as JetBlue’s gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, and we believe there is meaningful opportunity to expand our presence in the region with planned service to Caracas,” said Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships. “South Florida is home to a large Venezuelan community, and this new route would help connect families and loved ones with JetBlue’s competitive fares and award-winning service.”
The proposed Caracas service would complement JetBlue’s existing network of destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America. The airline said it expects strong demand from customers visiting friends and relatives, providing seamless connections via Fort Lauderdale to other points in its route map.
