The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela landed in Caracas on Thursday, ending a seven-year suspension imposed by the US Department of Homeland Security over security concerns.
Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, departed Miami at 10:11am ET (14:11 GMT) and arrived in the Venezuelan capital roughly three hours later. The airline announced that a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas would begin on May 21.
The return of nonstop flights comes months after a dramatic shift in US-Venezuela relations, following Washington’s January operation that led to the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro. This marks the first direct air link between the two countries since diplomatic ties were severed in 2019. For years, travelers had used indirect routes through other Latin American hubs.
The 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.”
At Miami International Airport, American Airlines marked the occasion with a small ceremony, decorating the departure gate with Venezuelan flags and balloon displays in the country’s yellow, blue and red colors. Passengers were served coffee and arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish, on board.
Thursday’s service was operated by an Embraer E175 regional jet with a capacity for about 75 passengers. US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the flight signaled more than the return of an air route, calling it a critical milestone in strengthening the US relationship with Venezuela and unleashing economic opportunity in both countries.
Despite the celebratory mood, high ticket prices remain a key barrier, alongside strict US visa requirements. Recent searches on the airline’s website show return fares for early May starting at more than $1,200. By comparison, flights via Bogota typically range from $390 to $900 round-trip.
American Airlines was the last US carrier operating in Venezuela before suspending flights in 2019, while Delta and United had already withdrawn in 2017 amid a deepening political crisis. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said: “Parents will be able to reconnect with children, grandparents with grandchildren, and families with the place they once called home.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com