American Airlines is set to resume flights between Florida and Caracas, Venezuela, the airline confirmed Aug. 31.
Service was suspended in June after a pair of earthquakes devasted the area on June 24, killing thousands and displacing many more. The quakes also caused extensive damage to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, Venezuela's main international airport.
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The quakes came just two months after American became the first U.S. airline to return to the country in six years. The U.S. Department of Transportation suspended flights to Venezuela in 2019 during President Donald Trump's first term due to "the ongoing political instability and increased tensions in Venezuela and associated inadvertent risk to flight operations,"
according to a statement at the time.
More than 6,500 people have been reported dead, more than 226,000 reported missing, and thousands still missing. American Airlines flew relief flights into the country, bringing nonperishable food, water, diapers, wipes, baby formula, hygiene products and other critical items.
When will American Airlines resume flights to Venezuela?
American Airlines will resume commercial service between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Maiquetía "Simón Bolívar" International Airport (CCS) on Thursday, Sept. 3, according to ticket availability.
Other airlines, such as United Airlines and Jet Blue Airways, have previously announced intentions to serve Venezuela, pending government approval.
Did American Airlines fly to Venezuela before?
American Airlines, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has been operating in Venezuela since 1987 and was the largest U.S. airline there until 2019, the carrier said in its filing to resume service.
"Approval of this application will further President Trump’s goal of reopening air service to Venezuela and serve the public interest by providing an opportunity for business, leisure, and humanitarian travel to the region," American said.
In January, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded the ban soon after the Trump administration captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Airlines to restart Florida-Caracas flights after earthquakes
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