Military Intervention in Venezuela Disrupts Caribbean Air Travel

In a significant military operation, the U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, leading to widespread disruptions in air travel across the Caribbean, particularly during the region's busy season.

On Saturday, Venezuela's airspace became a no-fly zone as airlines halted flights over the country. This decision affected numerous flights in the eastern Caribbean, as major carriers canceled hundreds of routes. The Federal Aviation Administration's airspace restrictions are expected to lead to ongoing travel disturbances, potentially lasting several days.

Destinations such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Aruba faced numerous cancellations. In response, airlines have waived rescheduling fees for travelers needing to adjust their plans over the weekend.

Puerto Rico's primary transportation hub, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, announced through social media platform X, that new security protocols were enacted due to the military developments in Venezuela.

Consequently, most flights operated by U.S. airlines to and from this airport have been suspended or canceled, though foreign and military flights remain unaffected. Air Canada reported its scheduled flights had not experienced any disruptions.

Airline company JetBlue confirmed the cancellation of approximately 215 flights because of the airspace shutdown tied to the military conflict. Routes to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica remained operational. JetBlue is offering travel refunds or the option to rebook for impacted customers.

Meanwhile, United Airlines is making schedule adjustments to accommodate the closure of Venezuelan airspace. The airline is allowing free changes for travel plans in the region, continuing close collaboration with U.S. aviation oversight bodies.

Southwest canceled all Saturday flights to Aruba and put a temporary hold on Puerto Rican flights until late in the afternoon, though services to the Dominican Republic remain unaffected.

American Airlines has issued a policy to waive change fees for travelers flying to or from about 20 island locations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, Saint Lucia, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Delta has offered a travel waiver to passengers traveling through 13 airports affected by the situation, valid until Tuesday.

Authorities anticipate President Maduro's arrival at New York Stewart International Airport later today, where he is expected to be handed over to federal officials. This airport is situated in the Hudson Valley, approximately 60 miles from Manhattan.