The first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela in seven years took off from Miami International Airport this morning, carrying passengers to Caracas amid renewed diplomatic ties under President Donald Trump. American Airlines Flight AA3599, operated by its regional subsidiary Envoy Air on an Embraer E175, departed at 10:16 a.m. local time and is scheduled to arrive at Simón Bolívar International Airport at 1:36 p.m.
This marks the resumption of nonstop service banned by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2019 due to security concerns during the Nicolás Maduro regime. The U.S. DOT approved American Airlines’ request on March 4, 2026, allowing operations to Caracas and Maracaibo for two years. Tickets went on sale recently, with the return flight AA4194 departing Caracas at 2:40 p.m. and landing in Miami at 6:13 p.m.
President Trump announced in late January 2026 that he instructed officials to reopen Venezuelan airspace, stating Americans would soon visit safely. This followed U.S.-led actions leading to Maduro’s capture and the restoration of diplomatic relations, including reopening the U.S. embassy in Caracas. Trump informed Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision during a cabinet meeting.
The flight ends years of reliance on indirect routes through Latin American countries for the 500,000 Venezuelan-Americans in South Florida. American Airlines, which provided 58% of U.S.-Venezuela capacity in 2018 with 362,000 seats, called it a step for family reunions and trade. The State Department downgraded its travel advisory from Level 4 to Level 3, though risks persist.
Approval came swiftly after political shifts, with American Airlines confirming readiness pending security checks. Venezuelan authorities like INAC also cleared the carrier. While daily service launches today, expansion to Maracaibo is planned.
This development signals thawing U.S.-Venezuela relations post-2019 sanctions and flight bans. Passengers aboard today’s flight include families separated for years. The U.S. FAA and DOT confirmed scheduled flights are now permitted to major hubs.