For the first time in seven years, a direct commercial flight from the United States landed in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday. The American Airlines flight, operated by Envoy Air, departed Miami at 10:11 a.m. EDT and arrived in the Venezuelan capital around three hours later.
Key Takeaways
The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years landed in Caracas on Thursday. This historic event marks a significant step in restoring diplomatic relations following the U.S. capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.
- First nonstop commercial flight from Miami to Caracas since 2019 lands
- Flight follows restoration of full diplomatic relations between US and Venezuela
- Trump administration officials onboard to discuss energy and mining sector deals
- American Airlines plans second daily flight starting May 21
The resumption of flights comes months after the U.S. capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime raid on his residence in early January. It also follows the formal reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas last month, marking a significant step in restoring full diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to AP News, the flight carried passengers eager to reunite with family and Trump administration officials aiming to facilitate U.S. business entry into Venezuela's energy and mining sectors. Jarrod Agen, director of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, was among those on board.
The inaugural flight, designated AA3599, departed five minutes ahead of schedule from Miami International Airport. Passengers received small Venezuelan flags, and balloons in Venezuela's national colors adorned the gate door leading to the plane.
American Airlines plans to introduce a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas starting May 21. The airline suspended flights in 2019 due to security concerns but has now resumed services following improved diplomatic relations.
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