First US commercial flight lands in Venezuela since 2019

US and Venezuelan officials celebrated a new era in diplomatic relations as the first direct commercial flight between the two countries in more than seven years landed at Simón Bolívar international airport in Caracas. José Freig, vice-president of international operations for American Airlines, called it a "historic day," while US chargé d’affaires John Barrett described it as a "historic milestone" that reflects the reconstruction of economic ties and the reopening of Venezuela to global commerce.

The flight arrives nearly four months after US special forces captured Nicolás Maduro, which has led to a shift in relations. Barrett noted that the flight is a "direct result" of a three-phase plan for post-Maduro Venezuela, aimed at stabilizing the country and rebooting its economy. Venezuelan transport minister Jacqueline Faría expressed optimism, stating, "This country wants to connect itself to the world."

The event marks a stark contrast to the previous years of diplomatic breakdown, as millions of Venezuelans fled the country due to economic collapse and political repression. The atmosphere was celebratory, with passengers enjoying music and expressing hope for easier travel between the US and Venezuela. Eloy Montenegro, a traveler, remarked, "That should never have happened but it happened. And things are much better now."

However, skepticism remains regarding the political transition back to democracy, with key figures in the Venezuelan government, such as Diosdado Cabello, asserting that it is "not time for elections." John Feeley, a former US diplomat, described the new relationship as a "viceroyship," indicating a complex power dynamic where Venezuela's leadership is under significant influence from the US.

What to watch: The next steps in the US-Venezuela relationship, particularly regarding political reforms and potential elections, will be critical in determining the future of diplomatic ties.