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
DHS alleges criminal illegal alien 'rammed law enforcement' in California operation, agent fired weapon

DHS Reports Incident in California: Suspect Allegedly Hit Officers, Prompting Agent to Discharge Weapon

An incident unfolded in southern California on Wednesday when a federal agent…
Two students found dead in vehicle at university parking lot in Ohio

Tragic Discovery: Two Students Found Deceased in Ohio University Parking Lot

Two students were tragically discovered deceased inside a car at Franciscan University,…
Ford recalls some 119,000 vehicles due to engine block heater fire risk, NHTSA says

Ford Issues Recall for 119,000 Vehicles Over Engine Block Heater Fire Hazard: NHTSA Alert

A new safety recall has been announced by Ford, impacting approximately 119,000…
Dispatch records from Brown University shooting capture chaos of deadly campus attack

Brown University Students Resume Classes as Campus Security Policies Face Scrutiny After Mass Shooting

Brown University is set to begin a new semester on Wednesday, but…
Ghislaine Maxwell to testify before House committee investigating handling of Epstein case

Ghislaine Maxwell Set to Speak Before Congressional Panel on Epstein Case Handling

Ghislaine Maxwell, long associated with the scandalous figure Jeffrey Epstein, is set…
Border Patrol chief targeted in alleged murder-for-hire plot focused on Snapchat messages

Border Patrol Chief Allegedly Targeted in Snapchat-Based Murder-for-Hire Scheme

A federal jury is currently deliberating on a case involving a Chicago…
Massive Ford Heights fire damages True Light Temple of Praise on Drexel Avenue

Major Blaze Ravages True Light Temple of Praise in Ford Heights

A blaze consumed a south suburban church in Ford Heights, Illinois, on…
Father of backpacker found dead near dingoes on K’gari in Australia speaks out

Father Shares Heartfelt Message After Backpacker Found Deceased Near Dingoes on K’gari, Australia

In a heartfelt tribute, the father of a young backpacker discovered amidst…
Schweizer: China Bought a Large Part of American Elite

China’s Influence Expands: Major Stake in U.S. Elite Uncovered

Peter Schweizer, a senior contributor to the news and author of The…
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes requests President Donald Trump to commute her prison sentence, per US Department of Justice

Elizabeth Holmes’ Bold Move: Appeals to Trump for Sentence Commutation in Theranos Scandal

SAN FRANCISCO — Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos who fell…
Davos 2026: Trump speaks at World Economic Forum, where his quest to own Greenland could overshadow his other goals

Trump’s Greenland Ambitions Take Center Stage at Davos 2026 World Economic Forum

In the picturesque setting of Zurich, Switzerland, President Donald Trump addressed the…
Surgeon ex in Ohio dentist murders job hopped across country, dodged lawsuits after divorce

Ohio Dentist Murders: Ex-Husband’s Shocking Attempt to Conceal Identity Uncovered by Experts

The former spouse of an Ohio dentist’s wife, now facing charges in…