US, Venezuela resume direct flights after seven years

Direct flights between the United States and Venezuela have officially resumed after seven years, marking another sign of improving cooperation between Washington and the government of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, following the January 3 military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

The reopening of the air connection was inaugurated by an American Airlines flight on the Miami–Caracas route.

The news was also shared on the White House’s social media, stating that “this would not have been possible without the courageous leadership of President Donald Trump in Operation Absolute Resolve,” accompanied by a “Welcome to Venezuela” banner, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The aircraft had been presented earlier in Fort Worth, Texas, and was welcomed by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as a symbol of “American pride.”

The inaugural flight, operated by the subsidiary Envoy Air, featured a special Venezuelan menu including cachapas (sweet corn tortillas) and chicken salad with mayonnaise (reina pepiada).

American Airlines, which had operated in Venezuela since 1987 and was the main carrier on this route, suspended its flights in 2019 due to deteriorating relations during the “maximum pressure” policy pursued by the first Trump administration.

The resumption of flights marks a significant step toward restoring travel, economic ties, and diplomatic relations between the two countries after years of tension.

Photo: American Airlines