US Airlines Resume Flights to Venezuela After Seven-Year Hiatus

American Airlines has resumed direct flights between the US and Venezuela, marking a significant development in relations between the two countries. The first commercial flight, operated by Envoy Air on behalf of American Airlines, departed Miami at 10:11am ET on Thursday, arriving in Caracas roughly three hours later. The flight was part of a renewed effort to establish direct air links between the US and Venezuela, which had been severed since 2019.

The resumption of flights comes after a seven-year suspension imposed by the US Department of Homeland Security due to security concerns. American Airlines had previously suspended operations in Venezuela in 2019, but has now resumed service with the launch of two daily flights between Miami and Caracas, starting on May 21.

Airport data shows that the flight departed five minutes ahead of schedule, while a small ceremony was held at Miami International Airport to mark the occasion. Passengers were served coffee and traditional Venezuelan dishes during the flight.

US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy stated that the resumption of flights marked a critical milestone in strengthening US-Venezuela relations and unleashing economic opportunities for both countries. American Airlines has pledged to restore more flights in the coming months, with return fares currently ranging from $1,000 to over $1,200.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to benefit the large Venezuelan community in Miami-Dade County, where many families have been separated due to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

Source: Al Jazeera