New York, Jan 30, 2026, 10:54 EST — Regular session
- American Airlines shares ticked higher by about 0.1% in early trading
- Carrier plans to resume flights to Venezuela, pending U.S. approvals and security clearances
- Airlines warn that a partial U.S. government shutdown could start to disrupt air travel as early as Saturday
Shares of American Airlines Group (AAL.O) ticked up 0.1% to $13.53 Friday morning after the carrier unveiled plans to resume daily flights to Venezuela for the first time in over six years, pending government approval and security clearances. The Transportation Department lifted its 2019 ban on U.S. airlines flying to Venezuela on Thursday. Still, with the State Department maintaining its “Do Not Travel” advisory, regulators warned the relaunch could take several weeks or longer. 1
The stock shift comes as a critical policy deadline approaches for the airline industry. Top U.S. carriers have urged Congress to secure pay for air traffic controllers should funding lapse, cautioning that a shutdown could swiftly lead to fewer flights and cancellations. 2
Operational strain is still severe. After a winter storm threw schedules into chaos, flight attendants’ union leader Julie Hedrick called it “probably the worst we’ve dealt with, in terms of recovering.” Yet American’s COO David Seymour told staff, “The worst of this storm’s impacts is behind us.” 3
Airline shares were all over the map. Delta edged down 0.3%, United took a 1.1% hit, and JetBlue slid 1.2%. Southwest stood out, climbing 1.2%. The U.S. Global Jets ETF dipped 0.4%.
Southwest’s shares surged 18.7% on Thursday after a strong profit forecast, shining a spotlight back on the airline sector. CEO Bob Jordan called it “the most ambitious transformation” in the company’s history, pointing to efforts like assigned seating and added extra-legroom options. 4
American Airlines flagged a $150 million to $200 million revenue loss in Q1 tied to storm disruptions, with full-year adjusted EPS expected between $1.70 and $2.70. CFO Devon May described the event as the largest weather-related hit the company has ever faced. 5
The company posted record fourth-quarter revenue of $14.0 billion in its latest report and slashed total debt by $2.1 billion during 2025. Looking ahead, it expects free cash flow to top $2 billion in 2026, reflecting cash left after covering expenses and investments. 6
The potential upside from Venezuela is far from simple. Restarting flights hinges on security clearances and broader U.S. sanctions that extend beyond the Transportation Department’s reach. Plus, the persistent “Do Not Travel” advisory might keep demand muted, even if flights get back on track.
Attention has shifted to Washington, where lawmakers must act by Saturday, Jan. 31, to avoid a partial government shutdown. Airlines remain on edge, wary of potential flight disruptions from staff shortages. Then, the February 6 U.S. jobs report is set to reveal trends in consumer spending and corporate travel budgets, as the industry pushes to regain its footing. 7
