Avianca to reintroduce daily Bogotá–Caracas flights again from 12 February 2026
Avianca has announced that on 12 February 2026 it will restart the direct air link between Bogotá and Caracas, with daily departures between the two capitals. The company says the decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of operational conditions and aviation safety, carried out in coordination with the competent authorities. The news comes after a period in which traffic to Venezuela was burdened by security warnings and operational adjustments, so any announcement of a more stable flight schedule is politically and commercially sensitive. For passengers, but also for the economy, this is a route that connects two major urban and administrative centers and reopens a faster link that for years was limited or interrupted. Although it is a relatively short regional flight, its reliability in practice depends on the broader security and regulatory context.
The re-establishment of the route is important for passengers who in recent years have often relied on transfers, a smaller number of weekly flights, or alternative overland routes that are slower and logistically more demanding. For Avianca, this is a move that strengthens Bogotá’s role as a regional hub, with the potential to attract passengers from Venezuela who continue their journeys to other destinations in the Americas. At the same time, the restoration of daily flights can also be read as an assessment that some of the operational and security conditions are stable enough for transport to run continuously. In the industry, continuity is precisely what matters most to passengers: less uncertainty around connections, easier planning of business obligations, and a lower risk of additional costs. In this case, the company is announcing a daily frequency, which is a significant increase compared with occasional or limited operations from previous periods.
Schedule and ticket sales: morning departure from Bogotá, return around noon
According to information published by the specialized aviation outlet Airways Magazine, Avianca plans a daily departure from Bogotá to Caracas at 7:40, while the return flight from Caracas is scheduled at 12:10, arriving in Bogotá around 13:15 local time. Such a schedule suits passengers who want to arrive in Caracas in the morning, but also those in Bogotá catching onward flights within Avianca’s network and partner carriers. The published flight numbers suggest that this is a standardized service rather than an ad hoc operation, which usually means clearer planning of resources and crews. Airways Magazine also notes that tickets are available through Avianca channels, including the website and mobile app, as well as physical sales points, agencies, and the contact center. In practice, availability and prices on such routes can fluctuate depending on demand, season, and operational constraints, so passengers often plan purchases earlier. It is especially important for passengers to check fare conditions and date-change options when buying, because those conditions become decisive in situations of increased operational uncertainty.
- Bogotá (BOG) – Caracas (CCS): AV142, daily, departure 7:40
- Caracas (CCS) – Bogotá (BOG): AV143, daily, departure 12:10
The flights refer to the main international airports: El Dorado in Bogotá (BOG) and Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves Caracas (CCS). On this route, the usual flight time falls into the category of short regional travel, but the actual travel experience often depends on passenger flow, security procedures, weather conditions, and any schedule changes. In the context of a market that has had disruptions in the recent past, passengers typically additionally monitor carrier notices and flight status, especially in the days before departure. This is also evident in earlier company statements, which emphasize the need for timely information and alternatives for passengers. For some passengers, Bogotá also functions as a natural connecting point, which increases the importance of punctual arrivals and realistic planning of transfer time. Precisely for that reason, a daily schedule, if it remains stable, can have an effect that goes beyond the route between the two cities itself.
Why this route is sensitive: security, regulatory advisories, and operational risks
The resumption of a daily service comes after a period in which the security dimension of flying to Venezuela was in the foreground. Associated Press reported in late November 2025 that international airlines were increasingly canceling flights to Venezuela following warnings from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about a deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in the region. The same report states that multiple carriers suspended operations, with emphasis placed on risk assessments during the flight, at takeoff and landing, and while the aircraft is on the ground. Such warnings as a rule have a direct effect on company decisions because risk assessments rely on regulatory information, insurers’ assessments, and operational data from the field. When indicators of increased risk appear, companies usually first reduce frequencies, then temporarily suspend routes, and plan a return only after coordination with authorities. That is why the announcement of a return at a daily rhythm is a signal that the carrier has assessed that conditions have changed compared with the period of intensive warnings. Still, such assessments always remain subject to rapid revision, especially in politically sensitive regions.
In an official statement dated 26 November 2025, Avianca confirmed that its operational adjustments toward Venezuela followed FAA warnings and recommendations from Colombian aviation authorities, emphasizing that safety is a priority in all segments of its business. The company also announced passenger protection measures at the time: the possibility to change the travel date on the same route without additional costs, to change the route under certain conditions, and to obtain refunds for unused ticket segments. These mechanisms, although standard in the industry, also show how a carrier prepares for scenarios in which the schedule must be adjusted due to external factors. When a company publicly communicates that it is awaiting additional clarifications or conditions from aviation authorities, it generally means that operational decisions are not exclusively commercial, but also regulator-driven. In such circumstances, the announcement of a return is not only a question of demand, but also of confidence that recommendations and procedures are clear enough for stable flight operations. That is precisely why the reactivation of the route in February 2026 gains an additional dimension: it happens after a period of heightened warnings, which increases public interest in the question of on what basis it is assessed that conditions are now acceptable. In its communication, Avianca emphasizes coordination with the competent authorities, which is a key element in topics like this.
Historical context: the 2017 suspension and a gradual return after years of standstill
Airways Magazine recalls that in August 2017 Avianca suspended flights to Caracas for operational and security reasons, cutting connectivity that for decades had been part of the regional network. That suspension was part of a broader period in which political tensions, economic crisis, and security challenges in Venezuela affected international transport and financial flows. Once route continuity is lost, a return is usually not quick: it is necessary to renew contractual relationships, secure slots, adjust ground operations, and align procedures with regulators. The return must also fit into the carrier’s network logic, because aircraft, crews, and maintenance are not flexible resources that can be shifted overnight without consequences for the rest of the network. In such circumstances, companies often restore routes gradually, first with a smaller number of frequencies and only later, if they prove sustainable, increase capacity. On the Bogotá–Caracas route this is especially pronounced because the market is sensitive to political signals, security advisories, and on-the-ground operational conditions. That is why every decision to increase frequencies is observed as an indicator of broader stabilization, even though it does not necessarily mean a long-term solution.
In earlier analyses, AeroTime highlighted the long tradition of the route and the importance of restoring the flight after a multi-year pause, describing the comeback operations as having a symbolic dimension. However, experiences from 2025 show that even after a return the market can face extraordinary circumstances that cause temporary suspensions. In such situations, it is crucial to distinguish a commercial decision to sell tickets from the operational ability to actually operate flights continuously, which depends on a range of factors: the security picture, infrastructure availability, air traffic control procedures, and regulators’ recommendations. When a company increases frequencies to a daily level, it also takes on reputational risk: passengers expect reliability, and any renewed cancellations quickly spill over into trust and future demand. In that sense, the announcement for February 2026 represents a kind of turning point because it indicates an ambition to stabilize, but also the need for continuous monitoring of conditions. For passengers, the historical context explains why this route is watched more closely than many other regional routes of similar length. For the market, it shows that this is a relationship with multi-layered meaning: from people’s mobility to broader economic and political communication between the two states.
Broader framework: restoring the Colombia–Venezuela air corridor and interest from multiple carriers
Air traffic between Colombia and Venezuela has gradually been returning in recent years after a series of political and regulatory obstacles. Simple Flying in 2022 followed announcements about reopening the air corridor between Bogotá and Caracas, noting that multiple carriers were considering restoring services after authorities announced reauthorizing flights. Such a process usually involves more than the company’s decision alone: aviation authorities, air traffic control, airport services, and security protocols must be aligned, and carriers need to establish an operational routine at both ends of the route. When a market opens after a long interruption, additional challenges can also be commercial in nature, such as restoring distribution channels, contracts with local service providers, and demand predictability. In the case of Colombia and Venezuela, demand is also influenced by migration flows, family ties, and business interests, which is why changes in flight availability have a direct social impact. That is why announcements about frequencies are not only an aviation topic, but also a story about mobility and economic connectivity. A daily service particularly amplifies that effect because it reduces the “cost of uncertainty” for passengers who need flexibility.
In the case of Bogotá and Caracas, an additional dimension is the fact that this is a route with a strong social and political context. Normalization or deterioration of bilateral relations is often reflected in transport rules, the level of institutional cooperation, and the general perception of risk. That is why any announcement of increased frequencies, especially to a daily level, is an indicator that at that moment the carrier assesses that prerequisites are sufficiently stable. At the same time, recent experiences with warnings and suspensions are a reminder that circumstances can change, so passengers and the business community often follow such announcements with a measure of caution. For airlines, this means they must balance market opportunity and operational responsibility, with constant communication with regulators. In practice, the stability of the air corridor is not just a matter of one company, but also of coordination among a range of institutions and service providers, from air traffic control to security structures at airports. When that coordination works, increasing frequencies can be sustainable; when it does not, the first signs are delays, diversions, or temporary suspensions. Precisely because of that, the February 2026 reactivation is important as a test of system capacity, not just as commercial news.
What this route means for passengers, families, and the business community
Direct flights between Bogotá and Caracas are relevant for multiple passenger groups, not just tourism. In both countries there is strong migration and family connectivity, so a regular service facilitates visits, family reunification, and handling administrative obligations that require physical presence. Passengers traveling for education, health needs, or business obligations are often particularly sensitive to flight schedule changes, because transfers and route disruptions can significantly increase costs and the risk of missed appointments. In that sense, a daily frequency increases flexibility: a missed flight is easier to replace with the next one, and planning the return becomes simpler. For families, that can mean fewer days away and less pressure on the budget, especially when travel is needed on short notice. For passengers traveling with connections, the availability of daily flights often makes it easier to align with onward services, reducing total travel time. Ultimately, route reliability directly affects whether passengers will choose air travel at all, or turn to other, less predictable ways of traveling.
For the business community, a faster link between the two main capitals facilitates meetings, trade fairs, and contacts in trade and services, with the note that the intensity of business travel is sensitive to the political climate and broader international frameworks. Avianca here plays the role of a regional carrier that can offer connectivity through its network, especially if passengers from Venezuela use Bogotá as a point to continue travel to Central America, the Caribbean, or the northern part of the continent. In practice, the availability of a daily flight can reduce the need for overnight stays and increase the number of same-day trips, which is often crucial in the business segment. On the other hand, business travelers typically expect high predictability and clear change rules, so service quality and schedule stability will quickly be reflected in the route’s reputation. In economic terms, a stable air link often also stimulates related activities: tourism services, the hotel sector, logistics, and the segment of visiting friends and relatives, which in the region has a large share. It is important to emphasize that the scale of these effects depends on long-term sustainability and on whether the route manages to be maintained without new disruptions. That is why the coming months, starting on 12 February 2026, will be a key indicator of how ready the market is for a return to the rhythm of daily connectivity.
Security assessments and the role of authorities: what Avianca emphasized in its communication
In the reactivation announcement, the company highlighted that the decision is the result of a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities. Such wording in the aviation industry usually means that factors such as the current state of airspace, regulator advisories, airport security, and the reliability of navigation systems are included in the assessment, as well as the company’s operational readiness. In the official statement from November 2025, Avianca additionally stated that, due to FAA warnings and recommendations from Colombian aviation authorities, it adjusted operations and offered passengers options to change dates, change routes, or obtain refunds. This is important because it shows that decisions are not made in a vacuum, but within procedures that involve institutions and safety standards. When a carrier publicly emphasizes coordination with authorities, it is also a message to passengers that operations rely on formal processes and regulations, not only on a commercial assessment of demand. At the same time, such communication often also serves as a framework for potential future changes, because responsibility is shared between the carrier and the regulatory system. In this case, the message is that the carrier has assessed that conditions at this moment allow flights to be restored at a daily frequency.
Still, the fact that within a short span there were both restrictions and an announcement of increased frequencies shows how dynamic the situation is. In the industry, it is not unusual for carriers to return to markets gradually, testing sustainability and monitoring security indicators, and then increase capacity when they assess that risk is manageable. In this case, the daily schedule may be an indicator of ambition, but also an obligation toward passengers that operations will be as stable and predictable as possible. How long that predictability will hold will depend on the development of security assessments, regulator communications, and the ability of the operational system to respond to possible disruptions. For passengers, this means it is important to plan with a realistic possibility of changes and to rely on official carrier notices. For the market, such a move signals that at least at the time of the decision it was assessed that prerequisites were met, but also that the situation will be monitored day by day. Aviation, especially in sensitive markets, is a sector in which decisions can change very quickly, and those who lose the most are precisely passengers who plan travel at the last minute. That is why transparent rules and fast communication in practice are as important as the route announcement itself.
Practical information: what passengers should pay attention to before traveling
Passengers planning travel on the Bogotá–Caracas route should monitor the carrier’s and airports’ official channels, because schedules can change for operational reasons. In periods when there are security warnings or heightened regulator advisories, changes to the flight schedule can be faster and more frequent than in other markets, which can affect connections and hotel reservations. Therefore, it is useful to check ticket conditions, date-change rules, and available options in case of disruption or diversion. In earlier notices, Avianca cited options to change dates without additional costs and refunds for unused segments, which can be important to passengers as a protective mechanism. In addition, passengers often also track flight status on the day of departure, because even a small change in departure time can affect further plans, especially if they have connecting flights. For those traveling on business, it is recommended to plan some time buffer in the schedule, since in the event of operational adjustments the impact is greatest precisely on short business itineraries. In markets with a recent history of disruptions, that buffer is not a luxury but a practical necessity.
Along with the operational part, it is important to check documentation and entry requirements in time, including possible visa obligations, transit rules, and requirements that depend on citizenship and purpose of travel. Since such requirements can change, especially in the context of shifting bilateral relations and security advisories, passengers should follow official information from competent institutions and the carrier. When planning onward travel from Bogotá or via Caracas, it is recommended to plan realistic transfer times and not rely on minimal time gaps, because even small disruptions can spill over onto the entire itinerary. Passengers traveling with baggage should also check fare rules, because differences between fares can significantly affect the total travel cost. In practice, most problems arise when travel is planned strictly “to the minute,” without room for changes; in sensitive markets such an approach increases the risk of additional costs. Therefore, as a general rule, a simple recommendation applies: get information from official channels, check ticket conditions, and leave a time buffer. If the route stabilizes, these measures will become less important, but in the initial phase of a route’s return they usually remain part of realistic planning.
Signal to the market: the return of daily flights as a test of sustainability and trust
The announcement of daily flights from 12 February 2026 can also be read as a test of the market: whether demand and operational conditions will allow long-term maintenance of such a rhythm. Airlines generally increase frequencies when they assess that there is stable passenger interest and that it is possible to manage risks, including security and regulatory risks. On the other hand, experiences from 2025 are a reminder that decisions can be revised if there are new warnings or a deterioration of the situation on the ground, which imposes on passengers the need for more cautious planning. In that sense, the return of a daily route is not only news about a schedule, but also an indicator of the level of confidence that the carrier, the regulatory system, and the market currently have in operational conditions. If the planned schedule is indeed maintained, it could also encourage a broader effect: stronger connectivity, more business travel, and a more stable mobility channel between the two countries. If new disruptions occur, it will again raise the question of how sustainable it is to build daily frequencies in circumstances that can change quickly. For passengers, the most important thing is that information is timely and clear, and for the market that a minimum of predictability is achieved without which there is no long-term growth. At this moment, Avianca is conveying that conditions have been assessed as sufficient for a return, and the start of operations on 12 February 2026 will be the first concrete indicator of how that assessment translates into practice.
Sources:- Airways Magazine – details on Avianca’s announcement, the 2017 historical suspension, and the published daily flight schedule ( link )- Avianca (official announcement, 26 November 2025) – statement on operational adjustments toward Venezuela after security warnings and regulator recommendations ( link )- Associated Press – report on cancellations and suspensions of flights to Venezuela after FAA warnings about security risks ( link )- Simple Flying – background on reopening the Colombia–Venezuela air corridor and interest from multiple carriers ( link )- eTurboNews – report on reactivating the direct Bogotá–Caracas route from 12 February 2026 and the note about the security assessment ( link )- AeroTime – historical context of the route and earlier suspensions/returns of operations ( link )
Find accommodation nearby
Creation time: 3 hours ago