First direct US-Venezuela commercial flight in 7 years departs for Caracas

On Thursday, American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air launched the first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela in seven years, departing from Miami to Caracas as Flight AA3599. The aircraft took off five minutes ahead of schedule at 10:11 a.m., with an expected arrival in the Venezuelan capital in approximately three hours, before returning to Florida later that day. This flight marks a significant development following the US capture of former president Nicolas Maduro during a nighttime operation at his Caracas home in early January and the reopening of the US embassy in Caracas last month after the restoration of full diplomatic ties. In 2017, the US Homeland Security Department had halted direct flights due to security issues. Miami passenger Lennart Ochoa expressed his joy at the opportunity to see family, describing the experience as "priceless." At the airport, American Airlines employees distributed small Venezuelan flags and adorned the gate with the colors of the country.