American Airlines said Thursday it will restore service to Venezuela as soon as April 30, making it the first US airline to return to the country since Washington captured leader Nicolas Maduro.
American, which received a US Department of Transportation authorization in early March, said it was continuing to work with authorities in both countries.
“When all government approvals and security checks are complete, American plans to offer daily nonstop service between Miami and Caracas, Venezuela, with Embraer 175 aircraft starting as soon as April 30,” the company said in a press release.
The service will be provided by subsidiary Envoy.
“American’s Miami hub is the preeminent US gateway to Latin America, and our service to Venezuela is a key part of our history and our future,” said the airline’s chief commercial officer Nat Pieper.
The United States launched a military raid on January 3 to seize Maduro, killing more than 100 people, according to Caracas.
Since then, US President Donald Trump has backed Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, as Venezuela’s interim leader.
