Which U.S. Carriers Are Adding Flights After Eastern Caribbean Airspace Reopened?

U.S. carriers are rapidly adding Eastern Caribbean flights to clear a massive backlog. This follows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifting temporary FAA airspace closure restrictions. The closure was necessary due to safety concerns after Venezuela military action. Thousands of stranded travelers were affected during the busy post-holiday travel disruption.

Airline Capacity Expansion to Clear Backlog

Airlines quickly moved to increase airline capacity expansion across the region. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines led the effort. The two carriers alone added over 9,600 seats to their Caribbean networks. This action was crucial for the operational recovery.

American Airlines’ Extensive Response

American Airlines announced the most extensive service increase. The carrier added nearly 7,000 seats with 43 extra flights. This was done to boost capacity and expand access for customers. The airline deployed larger aircraft on select routes. This included the Boeing 777-300, its largest aircraft. The widebody deployment was used to maximize lift for customers. American also set up rare inter-island flights. These flights connected Anguilla and Beef Island to San Juan Puerto Rico. San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a major hub.

Delta and Other U.S. Carriers Caribbean Adjustments

Delta Air Lines also proactively added more than 2,600 seats. These extra flights were added across its Caribbean network. Delta's extra flights began on Monday, January 5. United Airlines resumed its Caribbean schedule quickly. United added 14 extra flights on Sunday to help customers. Southwest Airlines added six round trips to San Juan. They also added two flights to Aruba. JetBlue Airways reported about 215 cancellations on Saturday. JetBlue is also working to resume normal operations.

Background and Industry Impact

The FAA airspace closure began on January 3, 2026. The closure was due to safety-of-flight risks. This followed U.S. military action and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The restrictions affected 13 major airports. Destinations included Aruba, St. Maarten, and Barbados. The FAA restrictions ended at midnight, January 4, 2026. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced flights could resume. The fallout highlights how quickly geopolitics impacts civil aviation.

The Caribbean is a vital market for U.S. carriers Caribbean operations. American Airlines is the top airline in this market by flights. The region sees high demand during year-end holidays. The closure caused hundreds of cancellations at major hubs. Nearly 300 flights were scrapped at San Juan alone.

Operational Challenges and Outlook

The sudden closure created a massive operational challenge. Airlines faced aircraft and crew positioning issues. The disruption occurred during the peak holiday travel window. This makes rebooking complex for the U.S. carriers Caribbean market.

• Airlines are urging travelers to confirm flights.
• Passengers should arrive early due to expected congestion.
• Lingering disruptions are likely as operations normalize.

The use of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-300, is a common tactic. This strategy provides a rapid boost in seat count. It is crucial for accommodating stranded travelers after a major disruption. The operational recovery is a complex logistical task. The aviation industry remains focused on restoring stability. For more commercial aviation news and analysis on global air travel, visit flying.flights.