The first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela since 2019 departed on Thursday morning, signaling a major shift in bilateral ties. American Airlines operated the Miami-to-Caracas flight, which left at 10:16 a.m. Eastern Time and landed at Simon Bolivar International Airport at 1:36 p.m. local time.

The flight follows the U.S. formal reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Venezuela after reopening its embassy in Caracas. Passenger Lennart Ochoa of Miami described his experience shortly before boarding, stating, “I’m very excited to go and see the family and I’m looking forward to see the country.” He emphasized the rarity of the opportunity: “Just to go and see the family on a direct flight from Miami to Caracas is priceless.” American Airlines staff distributed small Venezuelan flags, while yellow, blue, and red balloons adorned the gate door leading to the plane.

Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air (a subsidiary of American Airlines), departed Miami at 10:11 a.m. Eastern Time—five minutes ahead of schedule—and is expected to arrive in Caracas around three hours later. The airline announced plans for a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas beginning May 21.

The White House attributed the resumption of direct flights to President Trump’s leadership in “Operation Absolute Resolve,” noting American Airlines has resumed service from the U.S. to Venezuela for the first time in seven years. Onboard, approximately two-thirds of seats were occupied due to weight restrictions, largely filled with journalists and officials.

American Airlines had signaled its intent to resume flights in January—the same day President Trump directed the Department of Transportation to reestablish air service to Venezuela. Round-trip tickets departing Miami early May and returning by month’s end cost over $1,000 on the airline’s website.

At Simon Bolivar International Airport, a saxophonist played “Theme from New York, New York” amid celebrations. Ricardo Mariani, speaking at the airport, noted he was traveling on an afternoon flight back to Miami for his daughter’s graduation and a vision check: “It is a big opportunity for the country, for all of us,” he said. “Before it could take an entire day flying from layover to layover.”