The first flight in this new phase departed from Miami, Florida, to Caracas on April 30, 2026, in a journey lasting about three hours. The aircraft was expected to return to the United States later the same day.
This marked the first time a U.S. airline had restarted regular direct flights to Venezuela after years of suspension.
An Embraer 175 aircraft was used for the flight, with most seats occupied by government officials and journalists during the inaugural trip.
The move comes after major political developments in Venezuela. On January 3, 2025, the United States reportedly carried out operations in Caracas, leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were later taken to the U.S.
Maduro has been accused of trafficking cocaine and other drug-related crimes into the United States, allegations he has denied.
Later, President Donald Trump directed the U.S. Department of Transportation to restore the long-suspended flights after a new U.S.-backed administration replaced Maduro’s government.
