‘A new chapter’: first commercial fight from US since 2019 lands in Venezuela
The first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela in over seven years landed in Caracas, marking a symbolic step toward improved relations between the two nations. U.S. and Venezuelan officials described the American Airlines flight from Miami as a milestone in rebuilding economic and diplomatic ties following a period of intense political conflict. The flight, arriving at Simón Bolívar International Airport, was celebrated by government representatives and passengers as a sign of renewed connectivity and a shift away from past hostilities.
- ▪American Airlines Flight 3599 from Miami landed at Simón Bolívar International Airport on April 30, 2026, the first U.S. commercial flight to Venezuela since 2019.
- ▪U.S. officials attributed the resumption of flights to a three-phase plan by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for post-Maduro Venezuela.
- ▪Venezuelan Transport Minister Jacqueline Faría received a model aircraft from American Airlines' vice-president José Freig during a ceremony at the airport.
- ▪The flight symbolizes efforts to restore economic ties and reconnect people after years of diplomatic breakdown and U.S. sanctions.
- ▪Simón Bolívar International Airport, once emblematic of Venezuela’s migration crisis, hosted celebratory events including music and media briefings.
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Venezuelan and US flags waved from the cockpit after the flight landed at Simón Bolívar international airport. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/APView image in fullscreenVenezuelan and US flags waved from the cockpit after the flight landed at Simón Bolívar international airport. Photograph: Rebecca Blackwell/APVenezuela‘A new chapter’: first commercial fight from US since 2019 lands in VenezuelaFour months after US capture of Nicolás Maduro, officials hail repairing of ties as American Airlines flight lands at Simón Bolívar airportTom Phillips in CaracasThu 30 Apr 2026 15.12 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 15.13 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleUS and Venezuelan officials have hailed a new era in diplomatic relations as the first direct commercial flight between the two countries in…
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