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Direct flights between the United States and Venezuela will resume, marking a fresh sign of improving relations between the two countries after years of strained ties.
An American Airlines flight is scheduled to depart Miami for Caracas on Thursday, becoming the first direct service between the two nations in seven years.
Officials from the US government, the City of Miami and Venezuela’s ambassador to Washington are expected to be present to mark the relaunch, with passengers to be received ahead of departure and media coverage planned upon arrival in Caracas.
The development follows the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, after a prolonged period of tension.
The airline said the inaugural flight will feature elements of Venezuelan cuisine, including traditional dishes, as part of efforts to mark the occasion.
The resumption of flights is expected to strengthen travel and business ties, particularly given the large Venezuelan population in the United States and growing economic interests in Venezuela’s energy sector.
However, tensions persist, with the US continuing efforts to deport Venezuelan migrants, even as it gradually eases some restrictions on the country.
American Airlines said the route will operate daily between Miami and Caracas, with plans to introduce an additional daily service from May 21.
Flights between the two countries were suspended in 2019 as diplomatic relations deteriorated, but the latest move signals a gradual reopening of engagement between Washington and Caracas.
US forces on January 3 carried out a deadly raid in Caracas, capturing Venezualan President Nicolas Maduro and flying him and his wife to New York to face charges of drug trafficking, which they deny.
Maduro was replaced by his vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has largely cooperated with the United States despite her ideological background.
Trump has voiced satisfaction with her policies toward US companies and has tried to enforce compliance by threatening violence. Venezuela has moved to open the oil and mining sectors to the private sector.
Trump in turn has started an easing of sanctions on Venezuela, with measures imposed personally on Rodriguez dropped.
