The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years is set to land in Caracas on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of bilateral ties. Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, an American Airlines subsidiary, departed Miami at 10:16 a.m. local time and is scheduled to arrive in the Venezuelan capital three hours later before returning to Florida.
Background of Flight Resumption
The resumption of air travel follows the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces during a nighttime raid on his Caracas residence in early January. It coincides with the formal reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas last month, which saw the full restoration of diplomatic relations with the South American nation.
American Airlines, the last U.S. carrier flying to Venezuela, suspended flights in 2019 between Miami and Caracas, as well as services to the oil hub city of Maracaibo. Delta and United Airlines had pulled out in 2017 amid a political crisis that forced millions to flee the country.
Future Services and Official Statements
The airline has announced plans for a second daily service between Miami and Caracas, commencing on May 21. In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he informed Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision to open all commercial airspace over Venezuela, allowing Americans to visit. "American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they'll be safe there," Trump said at the time.
The Trump administration chose to work with Rodríguez following Maduro's ouster, rather than the country's political opposition. She has since led cooperation with the administration's phased plan to end Venezuela's complex crisis, pitching her oil-rich nation to international investors and opening its energy sector to private capital and international arbitration. Rodríguez has also replaced senior officials, including Maduro's faithful defense minister and attorney general.
For the past seven years, passengers relied on international airlines and indirect routes through neighboring Latin American countries. The resumption of nonstop travel is expected to reunite families and create new business opportunities.
