On April 30, 2023, the first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela took off, marking a significant milestone after a seven-year suspension due to security concerns by the US Homeland Security Department. Flight AA3599, operated by Envoy Air, departed Miami at 10:11 am EDT and is expected to arrive in Caracas approximately three hours later. This flight follows the recent reopening of the US embassy in Caracas and the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2023. Passengers expressed excitement about the opportunity to reconnect with family, as many had relied on indirect routes through neighboring countries for travel. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the importance of this flight for the large Venezuelan community in the area. American Airlines plans to introduce a second daily flight between Miami and Caracas starting May 21, 2023, further facilitating travel between the two nations.