American Airlines operated its first direct flight from Miami to Caracas on Thursday, seven years after a US ban and months after federal approval, reconnecting families amid improved US-Venezuela ties following Nicolás Maduro's removal from power. The event drew celebrations and praise from the White House.
The flight departed Miami International Airport at around 10:15 a.m., passing under water cannons and with pilots displaying US and Venezuelan flags. About two-thirds full, it carried travelers eager for family reunions after years of separation. "We are going to be able to see our families... This is amazing," one passenger told Fox News.
The White House celebrated on X: "American Airlines is resuming direct flights from the U.S. to Venezuela for the first time in seven years. This wouldn’t be possible without President Trump’s brave leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve." That January operation captured Maduro, ending his rule via a nighttime raid on military sites near Caracas.
The resumption follows the Transportation Department's March 4 approval for American Airlines (via Envoy) to fly to Caracas and Maracaibo, rescinding the 2019 ban amid Maduro's repressive policies. This aligns with part of the ongoing series on airlines resuming service to Venezuela post-intervention.
