For the first time in a decade, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has begun hosting regularly scheduled, nonstop flights to Venezuela.
Flights to the country from Broward County were halted in 2005 when American Airlines discontinued its route. But on Friday, Dynamic Airways reintroduced the service at FLL.
Broward County tourism officials who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the new service believe it will be a boon to the large population of Venezuelans in the region.
"Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country," said Steve Bellamy, a spokesman for the airport. "The airport is spending 2.8 billion to attract more international service," like the new route to Caracas.
Currently, flights leave from FLL at 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. If demand grows, it will become a daily service.
Fernando Harb, vice president of tourism sales, said demand for the flight is expected to swell exponentially, noting the 511,000 Venezuelans that traveled to Florida last year.
"We hope to double that number," he said.
