Hundreds of flights across the Caribbean have been cancelled or diverted following reports that the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Flight disruptions are expected to continue for several days after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace restrictions in parts of the region.

 

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According to The Hill, airspace closures affecting the Eastern Caribbean were issued overnight. The FAA said it is closely monitoring the situation, while airlines have begun making schedule adjustments to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

 

Airlines Adjust Operations

 

Major U.S. airlines have responded swiftly, aligning their operations with the FAA-mandated airspace restrictions. Most carriers have issued statements confirming cancellations, diversions, and itinerary changes for affected routes.

 

Airlines have advised passengers to monitor updates through airline mobile applications, email notifications, or other contact details provided at the time of booking. Customers impacted by the disruptions are generally being offered rebooking options or refunds.

 

American Airlines said in a statement:

 

“American Airlines is aware of the FAA-mandated airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean that were issued overnight and is closely monitoring the situation with the agency. We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind.”

 

JetBlue Reports Over 200 Affected Flights

 

New York-based JetBlue Airways said more than 200 of its flights have been impacted, with cancellations and diversions affecting services on Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4.

 

Affected destinations include:

• Aguadilla (BQN)

• Ponce (PSE)

• San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico

• Antigua (ANU)

• Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS)

• Aruba (AUA)

• Bonaire (BON)

• Curaçao (CUR)

• St. Maarten (SXM)

• St. Lucia (UVF)

• Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI)

• St. Croix (STX)

• St. Thomas (STT), U.S. Virgin Islands

• Grenada (GND)

• Georgetown, Guyana (GEO)

 

JetBlue confirmed that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica remain unaffected. Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport also stated that it continues to operate normally.

 

Uncertainty Remains

 

It remains unclear how long the airspace restrictions will stay in place. The FAA’s current safety alert is scheduled to remain effective until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.

 

Travelers with scheduled flights to and from the Caribbean this weekend are advised to expect possible delays or cancellations and to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates.