First US-Venezuela flight lands in Caracas after seven-year suspension
The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years landed in Caracas on April 30, 2026, operated by Envoy Air under American Airlines. This resumption of service follows a shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations after the January 2026 abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and marks a step toward reestablishing diplomatic and economic ties. While celebrated as a milestone, high ticket prices and strict U.S. visa requirements continue to limit accessibility for many travelers.
- ▪American Airlines, through its subsidiary Envoy Air, resumed direct flights between Miami and Caracas with Flight AA3599 on April 30, 2026.
- ▪The flight marked the first direct commercial air link between the U.S. and Venezuela since 2019, when U.S. authorities suspended service over security concerns.
- ▪The U.S. State Department announced the resumption of flights as part of improved bilateral relations following the abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.
- ▪A second daily flight between Miami and Caracas is scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, with plans for additional services in the coming months.
- ▪Despite the restart, round-trip ticket prices exceed $1,000, making indirect routes through cities like Bogota a more affordable alternative for many passengers.
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Economy|AviationFirst US-Venezuela flight lands in Caracas after seven-year suspensionAmerican Airlines has resumed flights as Donald Trump moves to rebuild ties following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro.ListenListen (4 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoToggle PlayUS-Venezuela direct flights resume after seven-year suspensionBy Elizabeth Melimopoulos and The Associated PressPublished On 30 Apr 202630 Apr 2026The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela has landed in Caracas, 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…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera English.