Direct commercial air travel between the US and Venezuela has resumed after a seven-year gap, marking a significant reopening of aviation links between the two countries.
The first flight under the renewed arrangement, operated by American Airlines, departed from Miami and landed in Caracas on Thursday (local time).
The White House announced the development on social media, crediting President Trump's leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve for making the resumption possible.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy described the resumption as a milestone, highlighting the economic opportunities it brings for both the US and Venezuela.
The US Department of State also confirmed the restoration of services, citing the improvement in conditions in Venezuela that no longer pose risks to aviation safety and civil operations.
The suspension of flights in 2019 was due to escalating political instability and security concerns, but the US authorities have now cleared the way for commercial aviation to resume.
