Caribbean flights grounded as Venezuela military tensions disrupt airspace
Hundreds of flights across the Caribbean have been grounded after airspace restrictions were imposed due to military activity in Venezuela. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed limits on travel over Puerto Rico and nearby regions, forcing airlines like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines to cancel or reschedule routes. The disruptions began when the FAA announced restrictions on airspace over Puerto Rico and surrounding areas. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan cited a 'security situation related to military activity' in Venezuela as the reason for the closures. Major carriers responded quickly. JetBlue scrapped around 215 flights, while Southwest Airlines cancelled all Saturday departures to Aruba and halted Puerto Rico services until late afternoon. United Airlines adjusted its schedule to avoid Venezuelan airspace and allowed free changes for affected passengers. No commercial flights crossed over Venezuela on Saturday. American Airlines waived change fees for travellers heading to or from roughly 20 Caribbean islands. Other airlines like Alaska Airlines and Google Flights followed suit, offering flexibility for those needing to reschedule weekend trips. The restrictions came after a US-led operation, announced by President Donald Trump on January 3, 2026, resulted in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The large-scale attack, carried out with US law enforcement, triggered widespread airspace closures across the region. The airspace restrictions have left thousands of passengers stranded or forced to alter their plans. Airlines continue to monitor the situation, with many offering fee waivers for rescheduling. The full impact on travel remains unclear as military activity in Venezuela persists.
