U.S. military action in Venezuela halts Caribbean travel, hundreds of flights canceled
U.S. Military Operation Disrupts Caribbean Travel
A recent U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transported him out of the country has caused significant disruptions in Caribbean travel, particularly during a busy time for the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace restrictions over the Caribbean and Venezuela, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays.
According to FlightRadar24.com, no airline flights were crossing over Venezuela on Saturday. Major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean, including routes to and from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and several other destinations in the Lesser Antilles. Passengers were advised that these disruptions could last for several days.
At Queen Beatrix Airport in Aruba, a popular destination for U.S. travelers, officials stated that operations would return to normal on Sunday after a day of cancellations that stranded some travelers or prevented them from flying to the island. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of safety, stating that the FAA had restricted the airspace to ensure the safety of the flying public. He also noted that the restrictions would be lifted when appropriate.
Impact on Travelers
Lou Levine and his family were among those affected by the flight cancellations. They were scheduled to fly home from Puerto Rico on Saturday morning but found their flight canceled. After checking their phone, they learned about the FAA's restrictions. They initially tried contacting JetBlue to reschedule but faced difficulties. Eventually, they reached out via social media, and the airline booked them on a flight leaving the following Saturday, extending their New Year’s holiday by a week.
Levine, a software company manager, expressed gratitude for his employer's flexibility but noted the challenges, including missing school for his daughter and unexpected expenses such as pet-sitting and car rentals. Despite the inconvenience, he remains hopeful that flights will resume sooner than expected.
The timing of the disruptions coincided with a period when many Americans were still traveling to the Caribbean. Although the peak 13-day holiday period had passed, there were still numerous travelers enjoying the tropical beaches and resorts before returning to colder climates.
Airlines Respond to the Situation
AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz highlighted the popularity of the Caribbean during this time of year, noting that many travelers were trying to return home before work and school resumed on Monday. She advised travelers to stay informed and allow airlines to send them alerts.
The FAA imposed temporary airspace restrictions on Puerto Rico’s international airport and surrounding areas due to the security situation related to military activity in Venezuela. Most commercial flights operated by U.S. airlines were suspended or canceled, though foreign airlines and military aircraft were not affected.
JetBlue canceled approximately 215 flights due to the airspace closures, while United Airlines adjusted its schedule and allowed free changes to travel plans. Southwest Airlines suspended all Aruba flights for Saturday and Puerto Rico flights until further notice, but flights to the Dominican Republic remained unaffected. American Airlines waived change fees for flights to and from around 20 island destinations, and Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver for customers traveling to or from 13 impacted airports through Tuesday.
KLM canceled flights affecting thousands of passengers but planned to resume service to and from Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, and other islands on Sunday.
Effects on Cruises and Future Travel
The flight disruptions also impacted travelers booked for Caribbean cruises. Cruise operator Virgin Voyages announced that passengers unable to reach San Juan in time for an upcoming cruise departure would receive a full credit for a future trip.
As the situation continues to unfold, travelers are advised to monitor updates from their airlines and remain flexible with their travel plans. The FAA and aviation authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to restore normal operations as soon as possible.
