The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela has landed in Caracas. This ends a seven-year ban by the US Department of Homeland Security due to security worries.
Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air for American Airlines, left Miami on Thursday. It arrived in Caracas about three hours later. A second daily flight between Miami and Caracas will start on May 21.
This return of nonstop flights follows a big change in US-Venezuela relations. Washington's January operation led to the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro. This is the first direct air link since diplomatic ties were cut in 2019. Before this, travelers had to fly through other Latin American cities.
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Start Your News DetoxThe US State Department posted on X, "For nearly seven years, there were no direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela. Under President Trump, we are changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas have resumed."
A Special Flight
At Miami International Airport, American Airlines celebrated the event. They decorated the departure gate with Venezuelan flags and balloons.
Passengers on the flight enjoyed coffee and arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish.
The flight used an Embraer E175 regional jet, which holds about 75 passengers.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy said the flight means more than just a new route. He called it a "critical milestone" for strengthening the relationship between the US and Venezuela. He also noted it would boost economic opportunities for both countries.
Duffy added that more flights are expected soon. He praised American Airlines for bringing back this "vital" route.
High Costs and Visa Rules
Despite the celebration, high ticket prices are still a problem. Strict US visa rules also mean many potential travelers lack the needed documents.
Return fares for early May start at over $1,200. Prices might drop to just over $1,000 later in the month as more flights become available.
In comparison, flights through Bogota usually cost $390 to $900 round-trip. Avianca is one of the main airlines for these routes.
American Airlines was the last US carrier flying to Venezuela before stopping in 2019. Delta and United had already left in 2017. This happened during a political crisis that caused millions to leave Venezuela.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said this means families can reconnect. She noted that Miami-Dade has the largest Venezuelan community in the US.
