Key Facts

• The flight left Miami and arrived in Caracas on April 30, 2026, marking the first nonstop commercial flight between the two countries in seven years.
• Jarrod Agen, from the National Energy Dominance Council, led the U.S. delegation.
• Félix Plasencia, Venezuela’s new ambassador to the U.S., was also on the flight.
• The team plans to boost deals between U.S. companies and Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA and mining firms.
• Recent changes include the removal of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces; Maduro was extradited to the U.S. on drug charges.
• President Trump’s administration is easing sanctions to encourage American investment in Venezuela’s oil industry.
• Chevron, a major U.S. energy company, continues to operate in Venezuela and sees some progress with new government reforms.
• The U.S. has reopened diplomatic ties in Caracas, though the embassy is not yet open.
• PDVSA is Venezuela’s state-owned oil company.
• Sanctions are restrictions that countries place to limit trade or economic activity.
• Heavy crude is a thick type of oil that certain refineries are designed to process.