Direct commercial air travel between the United States and Venezuela has resumed for the first time in seven years, with the Trump administration celebrating the return of American Airlines’ Miami-to-Caracas route.
The U.S. Department of State posted Thursday that “for nearly 7 years there have been no direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela.”
“Under President Trump we’re changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas restored,” the department wrote in a post on X.
For nearly 7 years there have been no direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Under President Trump we’re changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas restored. pic.twitter.com/3fsLVwWHQQ
— Department of State (@StateDept) April 30, 2026
Flights Resume After Seven Years
The U.S. Department of Transportation also marked the route’s return Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Miami International Airport.
DOT Undersecretary for Policy Ryan McCormack joined American Airlines executives, Venezuelan Chargé d’Affaires Felix Plasencia, Miami-Dade County officials, and State Department representatives for the event.
The inaugural American Airlines flight, operated by Envoy Air, will fly daily between Miami International Airport and Simón Bolívar International Airport, according to DOT.
DOT Marks Launch At Miami Airport
“Today is about more than just another flight – it’s a critical milestone in strengthening the United States relationship with Venezuela and unleashing economic opportunity in both countries,” Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said.
Duffy said DOT worked “behind the scenes” to bring the inaugural flight to life and thanked American Airlines for its “continued commitment to servicing this essential aviation artery.”
“Under President Trump’s historic leadership, the future of air travel between the United States and Venezuela has never been brighter,” Duffy said. “We can’t wait to expand on this progress and bring more flights online in the coming months.”
McCormack also credited President Donald Trump and Duffy for the restored service.
“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, the United States and Venezuela are reforging longstanding economic and cultural ties,” McCormack said. “This flight will directly contribute to Venezuela’s economic recovery. USDOT looks forward to continuing to work with our Venezuelan counterparts to build on this strong foundation and unlock additional opportunities.”
American Airlines Returns To Caracas
American Airlines said it is the first airline to resume service between the United States and Venezuela.
“Our historic return to Venezuela wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the governments of both countries,” said Nate Gatten, American’s executive vice president of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, American announced earlier this month that tickets were on sale for the restored Miami-Caracas route, with service scheduled to begin April 30.
FAA Approved Flight In March
In January, President Donald Trump directed DOT to reopen the airspace surrounding Venezuela and explore opportunities to restore commercial flights between the two countries, according to DOT. American Airlines later announced plans to reinstate daily nonstop service.
DOT said the Federal Aviation Administration worked with American Airlines and Venezuela’s Civil Aviation Authority to complete required safety and regulatory reviews. The FAA approved the flight in March.
More Venezuela Routes Could Follow
Other U.S. carriers have expressed strong interest in restoring operations to Caracas and other locations across Venezuela, according to DOT.
The department said it will continue reviewing applications and provide updates on new offerings in the coming months.
