The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years landed in Caracas on Thursday, restoring a regular air link that had been suspended in 2019 by U.S. authorities over security concerns.
Operated by Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, the service departed Miami at 10:26 a.m. local time (14:26 GMT) and arrived at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía about three hours later. At Miami International Airport, airline staff handed passengers small Venezuelan flags and the gate was decorated with balloons in Venezuela’s red, yellow and blue. On arrival in Caracas the aircraft received a traditional water-cannon salute from two fire trucks.
The flight follows recent diplomatic steps between Washington and Caracas, including the formal reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and the restoration of full diplomatic relations. Those moves have paved the way for renewed commercial ties and increased travel between the countries.
Among the passengers was Jarrod Agen of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council. Agen is expected to meet Venezuelan officials and representatives from the energy and mining sectors as part of efforts to help American companies explore business opportunities in the South American market. American Airlines has said it will add a second direct Miami–Caracas flight beginning May 21.
Passengers described excitement and relief at the return of nonstop service. “I’m very excited to go and see the family, and I’m looking forward to see the country,” said Lennart Ochoa, who told reporters he bought his ticket as soon as sales opened. Travel agent Isabel Parra, who had not returned to Venezuela since 2018, called the flight “super exciting,” noting that travelers had previously had to connect through Curaçao, the Dominican Republic or Bogotá.
For the past seven years, travelers relied on indirect routes and international carriers to reach Venezuela. The restoration of direct service is being seen by many as a tangible sign of thawing relations and a boost for family reunifications, tourism and potential business ventures.
American Airlines highlighted the chance for customers to reconnect with relatives and pursue commercial opportunities when it announced the service earlier this year. The resumption of nonstop flights marks a practical step in reestablishing regular travel and commerce between the two nations.