First commercial flight in seven years from US to Venezuela takes off
American Airlines resumed flights between Miami adn Caracas on Thursday for the first time in seven years, marking a fresh phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations. The service-about three and a half hours each way-returns to Miami the same day. American is citing its long-standing commercial ties to Venezuela and says the restart will help travelers reunite with families and support renewed business between the two countries.
Service had previously been suspended in 2019 after the U.S. banned passenger and cargo travel to Venezuela. The airline had been working with federal authorities after President Donald Trump directed the Department of Transportation to reestablish air service. Regulatory steps also included the Department of Homeland Security rescinding a ban on passenger and cargo flights, saying conditions in Venezuela no longer posed threats to passenger or crew safety.
At the same time, broader diplomatic and economic shifts have been underway: Maduro had reportedly been taken by U.S. forces in January, Venezuela is currently led by acting president Delcy Rodriguez, and she has begun reforms such as releasing political prisoners and loosening exclusive state control over oil to encourage foreign investment. The U.S. has also started easing sanctions on Venezuelan entities to increase the country’s access to global markets.
An American Airlines passenger plane took off from Miami International Airport to Caracas on Thursday morning for the first time in seven years, signaling a restored diplomatic relationship between the United States and Venezuela.
“We have a more than 30-year history connecting Venezolanos to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” said Nat Pieper, American’s Chief Commercial Officer. “By restarting service to Venezuela, American will offer customers the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States.”
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The flight will last approximately three and a half hours and is set to return to Miami on Thursday afternoon.
American Airlines is the first company to restore flights to the South American country.
In January, the airline announced it was in “close contact” with federal authorities to gain approval for the flight after President Donald Trump directed the Department of Transportation to reestablish air service to Venezuela.
American began operating flights to Venezuela in 1987 before suspending service in 2019 when the U.S. banned passenger and cargo travel to the country.
Venezuelan pride filled the Miami gate, featuring vibrant balloons in the national colors, a food buffet, and café con leche welcoming the travelers.
“We are going to be able to see our families,” a traveler told Fox News. “They’re going to be able to come and see us. This is amazing. So, all of us, the Venezuelan community here in Miami, are so happy, and now it’s connecting the two countries.”
Two weeks ago, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded its ban on passenger and cargo flights to Venezuela, determining that the conditions in the country “no longer threaten the safety and security of passengers, aircraft, and crew.”
Diplomatic relations between the countries have steadily improved since the January capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
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Venezuela is currently being led by acting president Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president. Under U.S. pressure, Rodriguez has begun to reform the country by releasing political prisoners and ending the state’s exclusive control over the oil industry to attract foreign investment.
At the same time, the U.S. has begun easing sanctions on Venezuelan entities, allowing the country greater integration with the global market.
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