First Flight Lands in Caracas
The first commercial flight from the U.S. to Venezuela in seven years landed in Caracas on Thursday, marking a shift in relations between the two countries. Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, an American Airlines subsidiary, departed from Miami International Airport at 10:11 a.m. EDT and arrived at Simón Bolívar International Airport around three hours later.
Aboard the Historic Flight
American Airlines staff distributed small Venezuelan flags to passengers at Miami International Airport. Balloons in yellow, blue, and red, the Venezuelan colors, decorated the departure gate. Lennart Ochoa, a passenger from Miami, said he was excited to see his family, stating, "Just to go and see the family on a direct flight from Miami to Caracas is priceless." The flight also carried Jarrod Agen, the director of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, who is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan officials and representatives from the energy and mining industries.
Rebuilding Ties After Maduro Capture
The resumption of direct flights follows the U.S. capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro in early January. The U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas one month prior. The U.S. Homeland Security Department had suspended flights seven years ago, citing security concerns.
Hopes for Stronger Relations
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy called the flight a critical milestone in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela and unleashing economic opportunity in both countries. John Barrett, the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Venezuela, hailed a “historic milestone” and said, "We are witnessing the reconstruction of our economic ties, Venezuela’s reopening to global commerce and the reconnecting of our peoples.” José Freig, American Airlines’ vice-president of international operations, declared, "This is a historic day," before presenting Venezuela’s transport minister, Jacqueline Faría, with a model plane.
High Costs and Future Flights
American Airlines said that a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas would start on May 21. While the resumption of flights is celebrated, high ticket prices remain a barrier, with return fares starting at more than $1,200 in early May. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava noted that Miami-Dade is home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States, adding, "Parents will be able to reconnect with children, grandparents with grandchildren, and families with the place they once called home."
