US-Venezuela commercial flights have been restored.
The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela departed today, Thursday, April 30, 2026, on its way to the capital of the South American country, seven years after the US Homeland Security Department ordered an indefinite suspension, citing security concerns.
The resumption of a nonstop commercial flight between the two countries comes months after the US capture of then President Nicolás Maduro in a stunning nighttime raid on his residence in Caracas in early January.
“For nearly 7 years there have been no direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela.Under President Trump we’re changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas restored.”
US State Department
It also comes a month after the US formally reopened its embassy in Caracas following the restoration of full diplomatic relations with Venezuela.
In late January, US President Donald Trump said that he informed Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez that he would open up all commercial airspace over the country, 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.
In a post on X, the White House expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for the restored flights, saying, “This wouldn’t be possible without President Trump’s brave leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve.”
American Airlines staff handed passengers small Venezuelan flags. Balloons with its colors; yellow, blue and red, adorned the gate door leading to the plane.
According to Miami International Airport flight departure information, Flight AA3599 operated by Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines, departed Miami at 10:11 a.m. EDT (1411 GMT), five minutes ahead of its scheduled time.
The flight is due to arrive around three hours later in the Venezuelan capital, returning to Florida later in the afternoon. Earlier, the airline said that a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas will start on May 21.
The flights mark the resumption of nonstop travel between the US and Venezuela for the first time since diplomatic ties were severed in 2019. For the past seven years, passengers have relied on international airlines and indirect routes through neighboring Latin American countries. In January, when the airline announced the resumption of flights, it said it would give customers the opportunity to reunite with families and pursue new business opportunities.
American Airlines was the last US airline flying to Venezuela. It suspended flights in 2019 between Miami and Caracas, as well as flights to the oil hub city of Maracaibo. Delta and United Airlines pulled out in 2017 amid a political crisis that forced millions to flee the country.
Since then, the absence of direct flights has had a significant impact on travel patterns, particularly for Venezuelans living in the United States. Many have had to transit through countries such as Colombia, Panama or Mexico to reach Venezuela, adding complexity to journeys that were previously straightforward.
The return of direct air service is expected to ease these challenges and support increased movement between the two countries. It may also have economic implications, potentially facilitating trade, tourism and investment as connectivity improves
Flights Restoration Hailed
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a news conference before boarding started, “Parents will be able to connect with children, grandparents with grandchildren, and entire families with a home that shaped and raised them.” She added, “Miami-Dade is home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States.”
The decision to resume flights comes after US authorities determined that conditions in Venezuela had improved sufficiently to allow for the safe reestablishment of commercial aviation links. A notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security earlier in April confirmed that the suspension of direct passenger and cargo flights had been rescinded, paving the way for airlines to restart operations.
Analysts note that the restoration of flights is often seen as an indicator of improving relations between countries, particularly when previous suspensions were linked to political or security concerns. In this case, the resumption of air travel suggests a shift toward greater engagement, even as broader geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve.
Despite the progress, officials emphasize that safety and security remain key considerations in the decision to reopen routes. US authorities conducted assessments of airport conditions and aviation security measures before allowing flights to resume, indicating a cautious approach to the restoration of services.
The first flight’s departure marks the beginning of what could be a gradual normalization of travel between the United States and Venezuela. While challenges remain, the reestablishment of direct air links represents a tangible step toward rebuilding connections that were severed for several years.
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