Sept. 10 (UPI) — A charter flight reconnected Venezuela’s Falcon state and Aruba for the first time in more than seven years, local airport officials said.

Aeroparaguana and Consorcio Helitec operated the inaugural flight Wednesday between Josefa Camejo International Airport in Las Piedras and Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad.

The 19-seat Metroliner aircraft departed Las Piedras at 9:21 a.m. local time and landed in Aruba at 9:38 a.m. It carried 12 passengers to Aruba and returned with 16.

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of President Delcy Rodriguez, the Transportation Ministry, the Falcon state government and the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics, we reopened air operations with the island of Aruba,” the Falcon State Airport Institute said in a statement posted on social media.

“This new air route promotes economic development, supports international tourism and strengthens the growth of our peninsula,” the institute said.

Despite the inaugural flight, the companies have not announced a regular schedule or fares. Prices, itineraries and other operating details were still being determined, Aruban news outlet 24Ora reported.

Travel agencies in Aruba were advertising tickets for about $550 round trip and $370 one way. The advertised fares include one checked bag weighing up to 33 pounds and one carry-on item weighing up to 11 pounds, according to Aviacionline.

The Aruban government reopened its air border with Venezuela on Aug. 1 under a gradual process initially limited to commercial flights. Each operation must receive the necessary approvals from both countries.

The pause began in February 2019, when Venezuela suspended commercial flights and maritime connections with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao amid a dispute over plans to distribute U.S.-backed humanitarian aid through Curacao.

Venezuela and the Netherlands began to negotiate a gradual reopening in 2022, including measures intended to guarantee border security. Maritime traffic resumed in May 2023, but the air border remained closed during continuing technical and diplomatic discussions.

The direct connection also serves close family ties between the neighboring territories. In 2024, 6.3% of Aruba’s population was born in Venezuela and 4.7% held Venezuelan nationality, according to the island’s Central Bureau of Statistics.

During the closure, passengers traveling between Venezuela and Aruba had to connect through Curacao, Colombia or another country.

Business groups in Falcon said restoring direct flights could support tourism, trade and the regional economy, though the route’s commercial impact will depend on whether the operators establish regular service.