The first direct flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years is set to take off on Thursday, April 30. It’s a sign of thawing relations following Washington deposing Socialist despot Nicolás Maduro.
The American Airlines flight will depart from Miami at 10:16 am local time, heading to Caracas, where diplomatic ties have recently been restored following years of tension.
Officials from the U.S. government, the City of Miami, and Félix Plasencia—Venezuela’s ambassador to Washington—are expected to attend the departure. Media will also gather upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, commonly known as Maiquetía.
The resumption of flights is seen as a sign of improving relations after the removal of former leader Nicolás Maduro. He was detained earlier this year during a U.S. operation in Caracas and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which he denies.
Venezuela is now led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who has taken a more cooperative stance toward Washington. U.S. president Donald Trump has welcomed policy changes, including moves to open key sectors such as oil and mining to private investment.
The renewed air link is expected to benefit the roughly 1.2 million Venezuelans living in the United States and boost business ties. The airline plans to operate daily flights, with a second route scheduled to launch later in May.
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