A significant US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro, has triggered major travel disruption across the eastern Caribbean during a peak holiday period.
Airspace Closures Cause Widespread Cancellations
Hundreds of flights serving popular holiday destinations have been cancelled after Venezuelan airspace was effectively closed to commercial traffic on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Data from FlightRadar24.com indicated that no aircraft crossed Venezuelan airspace that day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed immediate restrictions, leading to cancellations for flights to Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands, Aruba, and numerous other island destinations.
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, stated on social media platform X that restrictions were due to the "security situation related to military activity" in Venezuela. Consequently, most commercial services operated by US airlines to and from the airport were suspended or cancelled. The airport clarified that foreign airlines and military aircraft were not subject to the same restrictions.
Airlines Scramble as Passengers Face Uncertainty
Major US carriers have been forced to adjust schedules and issue waivers. JetBlue cancelled approximately 215 flights citing "airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity." The airline confirmed flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were unaffected and offered rebooking or refunds for cancelled services.
United Airlines adjusted its schedule to account for the Venezuela region closures, allowing customers to change regional travel plans for free. Southwest Airlines cancelled all Aruba flights for Saturday and suspended Puerto Rico services until late afternoon, though its Dominican Republic routes operated normally. American Airlines issued a waiver for change fees covering about 20 island destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, and Saint Lucia. Delta Air Lines also issued a travel waiver for customers through to Tuesday, 6 January, affecting 13 airports.
Disruption Expected to Continue
Passengers have been warned that the travel chaos could persist for several days. Authorities and airlines are urging all travellers to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport. The FAA had previously announced a temporary restriction affecting Puerto Rico's main international airport and surrounding areas, compounding the regional disruption.
The military action, which saw explosions at Fort Tiuna, Caracas's main military garrison, and the use of Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, has created an unprecedented shutdown of a key aviation corridor during a traditionally busy travel weekend.
