First Direct US-Venezuela Passenger Flight Lands in Caracas After Seven-Year Suspension

The first direct commercial passenger flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years has successfully arrived in Caracas, restoring nonstop air connectivity that had been suspended since 2019.

The resumption follows the 2019 US Department of Homeland Security suspension , imposed over security and instability concerns amid deteriorating bilateral relations and widespread civil unrest in Venezuela.

The restart comes after a series of policy and diplomatic shifts in 2026, including the reopening of US commercial airspace over Venezuela , renewed aviation coordination, and broader steps toward limited normalisation of relations, including the reopening of the US embassy in Caracas earlier this year.

Flight AA3599 , operated by Envoy Air , a regional subsidiary of American Airlines , was operated using an Embraer 175 aircraft . It departed Miami at 10:16 a.m. local time and completed the three-hour journey to Caracas, marking the first nonstop US–Venezuela passenger service since the suspension.

American Airlines, which first began operations in Venezuela in 1987 , was the last US carrier to operate routes to the country before withdrawing in 2019. Earlier, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines had already exited the Venezuelan market in 2017 due to worsening political conditions.

The airline has announced plans to expand services further, with a second daily Miami–Caracas flight scheduled to begin from May 21 , subject to demand and operational approvals.

The restoration of flights follows US regulatory clearances and aviation safety approvals issued in the lead-up to the launch, enabling commercial operations under revised travel conditions. However, the US State Department continues to maintain a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Venezuela , citing risks including wrongful detention, crime, and civil unrest.

Officials say the renewed air link is expected to support family reunifications, business travel, and diaspora connectivity , while passengers will still require valid visas and must comply with strict entry procedures.