On Thursday, American Airlines launched direct flights between Miami and Caracas, reviving a route that had been suspended for nearly seven years. The U.S. Department of State hailed this as a significant achievement in President Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela.
The Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs stated that these flights represent a pivotal success in the execution of President Trump's strategy for Venezuela, marking a crucial step forward in improving U.S.-Venezuela relations. This initiative aims to strengthen economic ties, expand travel and trade, and enhance connections between the two nations.
Flight AA3599 took off from Miami International Airport at 10:16 a.m. local time and touched down at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía at 1:36 p.m., with every seat occupied. The flight was operated by Envoy Air, a subsidiary of American Airlines, using an Embraer E175 under the American Eagle brand.
The State Department emphasized the significance of this development with a straightforward message: "For nearly seven years, there were no direct commercial flights between the U.S. and Venezuela. Under President Trump's leadership, that changes today. Miami-Caracas flights, restored."
John Barrett, the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires in Caracas, called the flights a "historic milestone" and a sign that Venezuela is now "open for business."
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The Miami-Caracas route was initially suspended on March 28, 2019, during Trump's first term, due to deteriorating diplomatic relations with Nicolás Maduro's government. The path to normalization accelerated following Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, during "Operation Absolute Resolution," a U.S. special forces operation at Fort Tiuna in Caracas.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they face charges of narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, with the potential for life sentences.
Unveiling the Three-Phase Plan
After this turning point, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-phase plan: stabilization with control over up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, economic recovery with a projected $100 billion investment, and democratic transition with free elections by the end of 2026.
The U.S. Department of Transportation approved American Airlines' flights in March 2026. Furthermore, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas officially reopened on March 30, 2026, after a seven-year closure.
John Barrett returned to Venezuela on April 23 to further implement the plan, while teams led by Rubio and opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, negotiated the democratic transition details in Chicago.
Expansion of Air Travel and Economic Impact
Starting May 1, Laser Airlines will launch daily direct flights between Miami and Caracas in partnership with Global Crossing Airlines, using an Airbus A320 with a capacity for 150 passengers. Additionally, American Airlines plans to add a second daily flight on this route starting May 21.
Venezuelan authorities anticipate more than 100,000 annual passengers on the Miami-Caracas route. However, initial ticket prices reflect the pent-up demand: round-trip economy fares start at $1,951, while business class exceeds $5,000.
Understanding the U.S.-Venezuela Flight Resumption
Why were flights between Miami and Caracas suspended?
Flights were suspended due to worsening diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Nicolás Maduro's government in 2019.
What is the three-phase plan for Venezuela?
The plan includes stabilization with oil control, economic recovery through large investments, and a democratic transition with free elections by 2026.
Who is leading the democratic transition in Venezuela?
The transition is being negotiated by U.S. officials and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize winner.