At a Glance
- Maduro’s capture triggers FAA airspace bans and flight cancellations across the Caribbean.
- Hundreds of flights canceled, airlines waive change fees for affected travelers.
- Flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and many Lesser Antilles islands halted.
- Why it matters: Travelers face delays, disrupted holiday plans, and uncertain return dates.
The U.S. military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from the country has led to widespread flight cancellations in the Caribbean. The Federal Aviation Administration imposed airspace restrictions that halted all flights over Venezuela and many nearby islands. Travelers and airlines are scrambling to adjust schedules and offer refunds or fee waivers.
Airspace Restrictions and Flight Cancellations
The FAA announced a temporary ban on airspace over Venezuela and the surrounding Caribbean region, citing a “security situation related to military activity” in Venezuela.
FAA stated:
> “restrictions were put in place because of the “security situation related to military activity” in Venezuela.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on X:
> “the FAA restricted the airspace in the Caribbean and Venezuela to ensure the SAFETY of the flying public.”
> “When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted.”
> “Please work with your airlines directly if your flight has been impacted.”
- No airline flights crossed over Venezuela on Saturday.
- Hundreds of flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and over a dozen Lesser Antilles destinations were canceled.
- Airlines waived change fees for passengers rescheduling this weekend.
Impact on Travelers
The disruptions stranded families and tourists, including the Levines who were due to fly home from Puerto Rico to Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
President Donald Trump said:
> “the U.S. has carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela early on Saturday and “captured” the country’s president Nicolás Maduro and his wife.”
AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz highlighted the holiday rush:
> “The Caribbean is a top destination this time of the year.”
> “We do have a lot of people who are trying to get back home this weekend ahead of work and school on Monday.”
> “it’s understandable we want to unplug” but travelers should keep track of what’s going on and allow airlines to send them phone alerts.
| Airline | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | Cancelled ~215 flights | Due to airspace closures; flights to Dominican Republic and Jamaica unaffected |
| United | Adjusted schedule | Free changes; monitoring situation |
| Southwest | Cancelled all Aruba flights for Saturday; suspended Puerto Rico flights | Flights to Dominican Republic unaffected |
| American | Waived change fees | About 20 island destinations including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, Saint Lucia, U.S. and British Virgin Islands |
| Delta | Travel waiver | Customers traveling to/from 13 impacted airports through Tuesday |
| KLM | Cancelled flights | Planned to resume service Sunday to Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire and other islands |
| Virgin Voyages | Credit for future trip | For travelers unable to reach San Juan for upcoming cruise |
Key Takeaways
- FAA airspace bans halted flights over Venezuela, affecting many Caribbean routes.
- Airlines offered fee waivers and free changes, but travelers faced significant delays and rescheduling challenges.
- The incident coincided with a peak holiday travel period, amplifying the impact on families and tourists.
Travelers are advised to monitor airline updates and consider alternative arrangements as flight operations resume.
