CARACAS — American Airlines Flight 3599 departed Miami International Airport for Caracas on April 30, 2026, becoming the first nonstop commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years. The flight, operated by Envoy Air, left at 10:11 a.m. ET, five minutes ahead of schedule, and arrived in the Venezuelan capital roughly three hours later.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security suspended direct commercial flights between the two countries seven years ago over security concerns, and travelers since had to use indirect routes through other Latin American hubs. American Airlines was the last U.S. carrier operating in Venezuela before suspending flights in 2019, while Delta Air Lines and United Airlines withdrew in 2017.

The U.S. State Department posted on X: "For nearly seven years, there were no direct commercial flights between the United States and Venezuela. Under President Trump, we are changing that today. Flights between Miami and Caracas have resumed."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy marked the resumption of service. "Today is about more than just another flight, it's a critical milestone in strengthening the United States relationship with Venezuela and unleashing economic opportunity in both countries," Duffy said.

Aboard the flight were a U.S. team from the National Energy Dominance Council and Félix Plasencia, Venezuela's newly appointed Ambassador to the United States. The White House team traveling to Caracas plans to push agreements between U.S. companies and Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA and some Venezuelan mining companies. The team was expected to meet with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez during the trip.

The Trump administration recognized Rodríguez, who served as Nicolás Maduro's vice president, as the "sole head of state" in March 2026, and the U.S. lifted sanctions on her in April 2026. The administration has rolled back sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector to allow American oil companies to invest in infrastructure and production. The U.S. has also reestablished its diplomatic presence in Caracas and appointed John Barrett as chargé d'affaires.

At Miami International Airport, American Airlines decorated the departure gate with Venezuelan flags and balloon displays in yellow, blue and red. Passengers on the Embraer E175 regional jet, which has capacity for about 75 passengers, were served coffee and arepas onboard. A second daily flight between Miami and Caracas will start on May 21, 2026.

Miami-Dade County is home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States. "Parents will be able to reconnect with children, grandparents with grandchildren, and families with the place they once called home," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said.

Return fares for the flight in early May 2026 started at more than $1,200 and later dropped to just over $1,000. Flights via Bogotá typically range from $390 to $900 round-trip, with Avianca among the main carriers.