Maduro's capture in Venezuela disrupts Caribbean holiday travel, hundreds of flights canceled
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK — The U.S. military’s operation early Saturday, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, has significantly impacted travel across the Caribbean at a peak travel time.

According to FlightRadar24.com, no flights were traversing Venezuelan airspace on Saturday. In response, major airlines have cancelled numerous flights throughout the eastern Caribbean, cautioning travelers that these disruptions might persist for several days. This follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s newly imposed airspace restrictions.

Flights destined for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and other nearby locations have been called off. Airlines are accommodating passengers by waiving change fees for those needing to adjust their travel plans this weekend.

The FAA previously announced a temporary airspace restriction affecting Puerto Rico’s main international airport and its surrounding areas.

San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport shared on the social media platform X that these restrictions are due to the “security situation related to military activity” in Venezuela.

Passengers wait at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport as all flights are cancelled following US military action in Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, in Carolina, Puerto Rico
Passengers wait at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport as all flights are cancelled following US military action in Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, in Carolina, Puerto Rico Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images

Consequently, most flights operated by U.S. airlines to and from the airport have been suspended or are at risk of cancellation.

Foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included in this restriction, the statement said. “Passengers are urged to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before heading to the airport.”

JetBlue said it canceled about 215 flights “due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity.” It also noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by the government’s restrictions. Customers could rebook their travel or request a refund if the flights were canceled, the company said.

United said it was adjusting its schedule to account for airspace closures in the Venezuela region. It said customers could change their travel plans in the region for free as it continued to monitor the situation and worked with U.S. aviation authorities.

Southwest said it canceled all Aruba flights for Saturday and suspended Puerto Rico flights until late afternoon, but flights to the Dominican Republic were unaffected.

American said it was waiving change fees for flights to and from about 20 island destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, Saint Lucia and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Delta said it has issued a travel waiver for customers traveling to or from 13 impacted airports through Tuesday.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Wine experts turn to AI for industry overhaul

Wine Connoisseurs Embrace AI for Revolutionary Industry Transformation

In a groundbreaking advancement for the wine industry, scientists have developed an…
LA Councilmember Curren Price enters plea in nearly $1M scandal tied to wife's firm

LA Councilmember Curren Price Addresses Allegations in $1 Million Scandal Involving Spouse’s Business

City Councilmember Curren Price, who is embroiled in a significant corruption scandal,…
US and Iran end 21-hour ceasefire talks without agreement before Vance departs Pakistan

US-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations Stall: 21-Hour Talks End Without Resolution as Vance Leaves Pakistan

Vice President JD Vance has announced that talks with Iran concluded without…
President Trump riffs about naming the 'Gulf of America' after himself

Trump Jokingly Suggests Renaming Gulf in His Honor

WASHINGTON — In a light-hearted exchange, President Trump jested about the idea…
Elite Minds Montessori fighting for access to Red Hook garden

Elite Minds Montessori Advocates for Red Hook Garden Access to Enhance Student Learning

A group of Brooklyn toddlers has been unexpectedly ousted from their cherished…
Pope Leo calls out 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling Iran war in vigil for peace at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Leo Condemns ‘Illusion of Power’ Behind Iran Conflict During St. Peter’s Peace Vigil

Pope Leo delivered a poignant message during a Saturday vigil for peace,…
Trump threatens China with 'big problems' if they arm Iranian regime

Trump Warns China of ‘Significant Consequences’ Over Potential Arms Support to Iran

On Saturday, President Trump issued a stern warning to China regarding potential…
Ukraine, Russia claim thousands of violations of Putin-imposed holiday ceasefire

Ukraine and Russia Report Thousands of Breaches During Putin-Enforced Holiday Ceasefire

On Sunday, tensions heightened between Russia and Ukraine as both nations accused…
Work on Trump's White House ballroom can resume for now: court

Court Gives Green Light: Renovations Continue at Trump’s White House Ballroom

WASHINGTON — An appeals court ruled on Saturday that construction on President…
Orthodox Easter truce obliterated as Ukraine and Russia both allege violations

Ceasefire Shattered: Ukraine and Russia Accuse Each Other of Violating Orthodox Easter Truce

What was intended as a brief pause in hostilities for Orthodox Easter…
Trump announces blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Trump Declares Plan to Blockade the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — President Trump has announced an extensive blockade of the Strait…
Ex-longtime Springsteen drummer Vini Lopez says woke Boss should respect Trump

Springsteen’s Former Drummer Vini Lopez Urges ‘The Boss’ to Embrace Trump Supporters Amidst Woke Culture Debate

A former drummer for Bruce Springsteen, who played with the legendary musician…