JetBlue has announced plans to launch nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, Venezuela, marking the airline’s first-ever route to the country.
The carrier plans to begin service before the end of 2026, with tickets expected to go on sale in the coming months. The route remains subject to government approval and the completion of applicable processes to operate in Venezuela.
A New Gateway for South Florida’s Venezuelan Community
JetBlue says the route is designed to serve strong demand from passengers travelling to visit friends and relatives. South Florida is home to a large Venezuelan diaspora, and the new service would provide a direct nonstop connection between the two cities without the need to transit through a third hub.
The airline plans to operate the Caracas route using its Airbus A320 aircraft. Passengers will have access to the carrier’s Fly-Fi in-flight internet service, seatback entertainment at every seat, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
“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, Vice President, Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, JetBlue. “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.”
Fort Lauderdale Expansion Continues
The planned Caracas service forms part of a broader push by JetBlue to grow its operations at Fort Lauderdale, which the airline describes as one of its largest and most important gateways. The carrier recently announced its largest-ever schedule from the airport, adding 11 new destinations and additional frequencies on existing routes across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.
JetBlue expects to operate nearly 130 daily departures from Fort Lauderdale this summer, reflecting the airport’s growing strategic importance within the airline’s network.
The Caracas route would connect Venezuela’s capital with JetBlue’s broader Americas network via Fort Lauderdale, offering onward connections across the Caribbean and Latin America as well as domestic US destinations.
Venezuela Route in Context
Venezuela has historically been underserved by US carriers in recent years due to a combination of political, economic and regulatory factors. A JetBlue entry into the market would represent a significant development for travellers between the two countries, particularly given the size of the Venezuelan community in South Florida.
Simón Bolívar International Airport, located in Maiquetía near Caracas, serves as Venezuela’s main international gateway. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sits approximately 40 kilometres north of Miami and has grown rapidly as an alternative to Miami International for both leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic across Latin America and the Caribbean.
JetBlue has not yet confirmed a specific launch date or fare details. The airline said tickets would go on sale in the coming months, pending the necessary regulatory approvals from both US and Venezuelan authorities.
