New York, Jan 30, 2026, 10:54 EST — Regular session
- American Airlines shares edged up roughly 0.1% during morning trading
- Carrier intends to restart Venezuela flights, subject to U.S. approvals and security checks
- Airlines caution that a partial U.S. shutdown might disrupt air travel starting Saturday
Shares of American Airlines Group (AAL.O) edged up 0.1% to $13.53 Friday morning after the airline announced plans to restart daily flights to Venezuela for the first time in over six years, subject to government approval and security checks. The Transportation Department on Thursday lifted a 2019 ban that stopped U.S. carriers from flying to Venezuela. However, with the State Department still listing the country as “Do Not Travel,” regulators cautioned the relaunch could take weeks or more. (Reuters)
The stock move coincides with a looming policy deadline for the airline sector. Leading U.S. carriers have pressed Congress to guarantee pay for air traffic controllers if funding runs out, warning that shutdowns could quickly force flight reductions and cancellations. (Reuters)
Operational strain remains acute. Following a winter storm that disrupted schedules, flight attendants’ union chief Julie Hedrick described it as “probably the worst we’ve dealt with, in terms of recovering.” On the other hand, American’s COO David Seymour assured employees, “The worst of this storm’s impacts is behind us.” (Reuters)
Airline stocks showed a mixed bag. Delta slipped 0.3%, United dropped 1.1%, and JetBlue fell 1.2%. Southwest, however, rose 1.2%. The U.S. Global Jets ETF declined 0.4%.
Southwest’s rally this week has drawn renewed attention to the airline sector. Shares soared 18.7% on Thursday following a bullish profit forecast. CEO Bob Jordan described the move as “the most ambitious transformation” in the company’s history, highlighting a push toward assigned seating and more extra-legroom options. (Reuters)
American’s recent focus has been on disruption and recovery. The airline reported a $150 million to $200 million revenue hit for the first quarter due to the storm, while projecting full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) between $1.70 and $2.70. CFO Devon May called it the biggest weather-related disruption in the company’s history. (Reuters)
In its quarterly report, the company announced record fourth-quarter revenue of $14.0 billion and reduced total debt by $2.1 billion in 2025. It also projects free cash flow exceeding $2 billion in 2026, representing cash remaining after expenses and investments. (American Airlines Newsroom)
The upside from Venezuela isn’t straightforward. Resuming flights depends on security checks and wider U.S. sanctions beyond the Transportation Department’s control, and the ongoing “Do Not Travel” advisory could limit demand even if service resumes.
Traders are now focused on Washington, where lawmakers face a deadline of Saturday, Jan. 31, to prevent a partial government shutdown. Airlines are on alert for any flight disruptions caused by staffing shortages. After that, the February 6 U.S. jobs report will offer a snapshot of consumer spending and corporate travel budgets, as the sector continues its efforts to return to normal. (Reuters)
