In the six weeks since today’s U.S. reopening to fully vaccinated international travelers was announced, Delta Air Lines saw a 450 percent increase in international point-of-sale bookings versus the six weeks prior to the announcement. Many of today’s international flights are expected to operate 100 percent full, with high passenger volume over the next few weeks.

“This is the start of a new era for travel and for many people around the world who have not been able to see loved ones for almost two years,” said Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines. “While we have seen many countries reopen their borders to American visitors over the summer, our international customers have not been able to fly with us or visit the U.S. All of that changes now. We’re grateful to the U.S. government for lifting travel restrictions and are looking forward to reuniting families, friends and colleagues over the coming days and weeks.”

The strong demand is reflected across both leisure and business travelers to popular destinations like New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Orlando. Today, Delta will operate 139 flights from 55 international destinations in 38 countries, with more than 25,000 seats. Flight DL106 from São Paulo to Atlanta was the airline’s first international flight to touch down in the United States under the new rules.

Delta is increasing flights this winter from key European cities, including London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt and Munich.