FAA Airspace Restrictions: Hundreds of Caribbean Flights Canceled After Venezuela Action
Key Points
- 1Hundreds of flights were canceled across the Eastern Caribbean due to FAA airspace restrictions following US military action in Venezuela on Saturday.
- 2Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan reported nearly 60% of all flights canceled, with JetBlue alone scrapping approximately 215 services.
- 3US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the restrictions would be lifted early Sunday, allowing airlines like Southwest and American to add extra flights to clear the holiday backlog.
- 4The disruption severely impacted peak holiday travel to key destinations including Puerto Rico, Aruba, and the Lesser Antilles islands.
Air travel across the Eastern Caribbean faced severe disruption over the weekend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary airspace restrictions. This action followed a reported US military intervention in Venezuela. Hundreds of flights were canceled during the region's peak holiday travel season.
According to FlightRadar24.com, no commercial aircraft flew through Venezuelan airspace on the day of the intervention. The restrictions primarily impacted US carriers flying to the Eastern Caribbean. This included destinations like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and the Lesser Antilles island group.
Major Airline and Airport Impact
All major US airlines canceled flights across the affected region on Saturday. They quickly adjusted their schedules in response to the security situation. The restrictions did not apply to foreign airlines or military aircraft. Canadian carrier Air Canada reported that its Caribbean flights were operating normally. However, WestJet canceled flights to Aruba out of caution.
Key Cancellation Data
- JetBlue canceled approximately 215 flights due to the airspace closures.
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, saw major disruption. Nearly 60 percent of all arriving and departing flights were canceled on Saturday. This airport is a major hub for US-Caribbean travel.
- Passengers were stranded at Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba. Aruba is a popular destination located just 24 kilometers (15 miles) off the Venezuelan coast.
In Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley noted the conflict's consequences. She said the US intervention seriously affected operations at two ports, one airport, and a cruise ship terminal in the country. Destinations farther west, such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, were not impacted by the restrictions.
Resuming Normal Operations
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the restrictions would be lifted soon. The airspace closure expired early Sunday morning. Airlines immediately began working to restore service and clear passenger backlogs.
Southwest Airlines (Southwest Airlines) quickly added capacity to help travelers return home. The airline added six extra round-trip flights to Puerto Rico. It also scheduled eight more round trips for Monday. American Airlines also added 43 extra flights, providing nearly 7,000 additional seats to the Eastern Caribbean.
Dutch airline KLM, despite initial cancellations, planned to resume flights to and from Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire starting Sunday. JetBlue (JetBlue) also planned to resume normal operations. Airlines issued travel waivers for affected customers.
Cruise passengers were also affected by the flight disruptions. Cruise operators offered alternative options for tourists. This applied to those unable to reach ports like San Juan, Puerto Rico, before their scheduled departure. The aviation industry continues to monitor the situation. Full connectivity will take a few days to normalize as aircraft and crews reposition. For the latest commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
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