The first direct commercial flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years landed in Caracas on Thursday.

Axar.az reports, citing AP, the flight, American Airlines AA3599, departed Miami International Airport at 10:11 a.m. EDT and arrived in the Venezuelan capital roughly three hours later, according to airport data.

Among the passengers on the inaugural service was Jarrod Agen, director of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, who is expected to meet Venezuelan officials and energy sector representatives during the visit, according to the Venezuelan government.

The route’s resumption comes months after the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and the restoration of full diplomatic relations, following years of political rupture. It also follows earlier moves by Washington to ease travel restrictions and re-engage with Venezuela on energy and economic issues.

American Airlines, which operated the last direct U.S. flights to Venezuela before suspending service in 2019, said a second daily Miami–Caracas flight will begin on May 21.

Officials say the return of nonstop service is expected to facilitate family reunification and business travel, particularly for the large Venezuelan diaspora community in the United States.