The US Department of Transportation (DOT) lifted restrictions that bar US flights to and from Venezuela shortly after President Donald Trump request it to do so. American Airlines (AA, Dallas/Fort Worth) immediately said it plans to resume services to the South American country for the first time in over six years, pending government approval and security assessments.

"The continued suspension of air service is no longer required by the public interest. This action does not affect any regulatory restrictions or requirements that may be maintained by other agencies, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security. Nor does this action affect Venezuela’s status under the Federal Aviation Administration’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in the decision.

Following Trump’s request, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) removed four NOTAMs in the Caribbean region, including one related to Venezuela, as well as advisories affecting airspace over Curaçao, San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin, and the Piarco flight information region, saying the NOTAMS were no longer necessary.

“Safety remains our top priority, and we look forward to facilitating the return of regular travel between the US and Venezuela,” the FAA said.

“American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they’ll be safe there,” the president assured. The US government ousted and abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, after which his former vice president Delcy Rodríguez took office, with the blessing of the Trump administration.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has begun taking the first steps to possibly reopen the US embassy in Caracas, including trainspotting vehicles and assets from Miami International to Caracas Simón Bolivar on a flight operated by SkyLease Cargo.

On the reopening of scheduled flights, American Airlines’ chief commercial officer Nat Pieper said the company will offer customers “the opportunity to reunite with families and create new business and commerce with the United States.” United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have not publicly stated their plans to resume flights to Venezuela.

However, the FAA will need to conduct assessments, as will the Transportation Security Administration, before greenlighting the return of Venezuela flights.

The DOT previously ordered the suspension of all commercial and cargo flights to Venezuela in May 2019.