United Airlines is reconnecting Houston and Caracas, putting a key nonstop route back on the map starting August 11 between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Simón Bolívar International Airport. The carrier halted the service in 2017, and its return means travelers once again get a direct shot between the two cities without a layover shuffle.
In a press release via PR Newswire, United said it will run the route daily on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 as flights UA1046 and UA1045. United laid out the schedule details: the outbound is slated to leave IAH at 11:45 p.m. and arrive in Caracas at 5:30 a.m., with the return scheduled to depart CCS at 8 a.m. and land back at Bush at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are already listed on the airline’s website, although everything is still subject to final government approval.
Houston officials praise the return
Houston leaders and community groups quickly lined up to cheer the move. Mayor John Whitmire said, “I’m pleased to see the nonstop service resume between Houston and Caracas,” according to KHOU. Local officials also noted that the restored route is expected to make it easier for families to visit one another and to speed up travel tied to the energy industry, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
How this fits into the broader reopening
United’s move comes as air traffic between the United States and Venezuela slowly comes back online. The restart follows a broader reopening this spring, when American Airlines brought back its Miami to Caracas flights on April 30 after federal officials lifted a 2019 ban, according to AeroTime. Industry watchers say that regulatory clearances and airport security checks have helped clear the runway for U.S. carriers to reconsider service to Caracas.
What to expect on board and at IAH
United said the 737 MAX 8 on the Houston to Caracas route will offer seatback entertainment and Bluetooth connectivity, and it highlighted that the Houston hub provides a wide range of onward connections across Latin America. The airline also pointed to a major Terminal B overhaul at Bush Intercontinental that is expected to ramp up later this year, according to the company announcement.
Travelers can already purchase tickets on United’s website, but they should keep in mind that schedules hinge on government approval. If everything stays on track, the August 11 launch will restore a nonstop connection many in Houston’s Venezuelan community, along with frequent fliers in the energy sector, have been waiting to see back on the departures board.
