The official White House account on X announced a significant milestone this Wednesday: the recommencement of direct flights between the United States and Venezuela. They credited this achievement to President Donald Trump and the strategic Operation Resolute Resolve.
"American Airlines is resuming direct flights from the U.S. to Venezuela for the first time in seven years. This wouldn't be feasible without the courageous leadership of President Trump in Operation Resolute Resolve," the White House declared on April 30.
On that day, American Airlines operated flight AA3599, marking the first direct Miami-Caracas flight in nearly seven years. The journey commenced from Miami International Airport at 10:16 a.m., heading towards Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía.
This flight was conducted by Envoy Air, a subsidiary, using an Embraer E175 under the American Eagle brand, with an approximate duration of three hours.
The aircraft, registered as N341MB, featured a special livery commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence (1776-2026) and was honored with a water cannon salute upon departure.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava attended the departure ceremony, which turned into a lively celebration with passengers waving Venezuelan flags and enjoying traditional foods like arepas and tequeños.
Significance of Operation Resolute Resolve
The State Department also praised the development: "For nearly seven years, there were no direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela. With President Trump, we're changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas are now restored."
The background to this aviation milestone is Operation Resolute Resolve, executed in the early hours of January 3, 2026, by Delta Force with over 150 aircraft and CIA support. This operation led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas.
During the operation, 32 Cuban military personnel protecting Maduro were killed, including two colonels, a lieutenant colonel, four majors, and three captains. Cuba declared two days of national mourning on January 6, 2026.
Post-Operation Developments
Following Maduro's capture, Venezuela's Supreme Court inaugurated Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. Diplomatic normalization accelerated: on January 29, Trump lifted the air travel ban after direct discussions with Rodríguez, and on March 4, the Department of Transportation approved Envoy Air's routes with a waiver valid until March 2028.
On April 1, the U.S. removed Rodríguez from the OFAC sanctions list, paving the way for the full resumption of commercial flights.
American Airlines had operated the Miami-Caracas route continuously from 1987 until it was forced to suspend operations on March 28, 2019, amid deteriorating relations between Washington and the Maduro government.
Expansion of Air Services
The day after the inaugural flight, on May 1, Laser Airlines, in partnership with Global Crossing Airlines, also began daily direct flights from Miami to Caracas using an Airbus A320, accommodating 150 passengers.
Nat Pieper, Chief Commercial Officer of American Airlines, highlighted the significance of the moment: "American Airlines' hub in Miami is the primary gateway from the United States to Latin America, and our service to Venezuela is a vital part of our history and future."
American Airlines plans to introduce a second daily flight on the route starting May 21, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Venezuela Flight Resumption
Why were flights between the U.S. and Venezuela suspended?
Flights were suspended due to deteriorating relations between Washington and the Maduro government, leading to a forced suspension on March 28, 2019.
What was Operation Resolute Resolve?
Operation Resolute Resolve was a strategic military operation conducted by Delta Force with CIA support, leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas.
How did American Airlines commemorate the resumption of flights?
American Airlines marked the occasion with a special livery on the aircraft, celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, and honored the flight with a water cannon salute.
When will American Airlines add a second daily flight to Caracas?
American Airlines plans to introduce a second daily flight from Miami to Caracas starting May 21, 2026.