Airlines across the Caribbean are scrambling this weekend as U.S. military action in Venezuela and resulting airspace restrictions disrupt one of the busiest travel periods of the holiday season. With thousands of holidaymakers attempting to return home, flight cancellations, rerouting, and temporary operational restrictions are affecting multiple Caribbean destinations.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s emergency restriction barring U.S. carriers from flying in Venezuelan airspace — and the associated avoidance of adjacent Caribbean corridors — is formally scheduled through late Sunday, January 4, 2026, but could be extended depending on security conditions.
Uncertainty Beyond Initial Window:
Authorities have not provided a definitive end date and have signaled that the airspace order may be extended or modified if military activity continues or risks persist. Airlines are monitoring developments, and schedule stability beyond the weekend remains uncertain.
Airline Planning Horizon:
Major carriers such as Delta have indicated they are reviewing operations “day by day” as the situation evolves.
What Happened
Following U.S. military operations in Venezuela, aviation authorities issued temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and safety advisories affecting Venezuelan airspace and adjacent Caribbean Flight Information Regions (FIRs). The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted U.S.-registered aircraft from operating in or near Venezuelan airspace, prompting airlines to cancel flights, reroute aircraft, and issue travel waivers.
While most Caribbean islands are not closed, proximity to restricted airspace and operational uncertainty have caused widespread disruption.
Countries with Active Aviation Restrictions or Severe Disruptions
Venezuela – Airspace Effectively Restricted
International passenger aviation is largely suspended due to security risks and military activity.
Passenger airports affected:
- Simón Bolívar International Airport, Caracas (CCS)
- La Chinita International Airport, Maracaibo (MAR)
- Arturo Michelena International Airport, Valencia (VLN)
- General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport, Barcelona / Puerto La Cruz (BLA)
- Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport, Isla Margarita (PMV)
- Alberto Carnevalli Airport, Mérida (MRD)
Puerto Rico – FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions
Airports remain open, but temporary FAA restrictions and rerouting have caused cancellations and delays.
Passenger airports affected:
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan (SJU)
- Rafael Hernández International Airport, Aguadilla (BQN)
- Mercedita Airport, Ponce (PSE)
U.S. Virgin Islands – FAA Restriction Zone
Operational disruptions due to proximity to restricted airspace.
Passenger airports affected:
- Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas (STT)
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix (STX)
Caribbean Destinations Experiencing Cancellations & Rerouting
These countries are not under formal airspace bans, but airlines are avoiding certain flight paths, causing cancellations and delays—especially on U.S. carriers.
Passenger airports reporting significant disruption:
- Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba (AUA)
- Curaçao International Airport (CUR)
- Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten (SXM)
- Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados (BGI)
- V.C. Bird International Airport, Antigua (ANU)
- Codrington Airport, Barbuda (BBQ)
- Piarco International Airport, Trinidad & Tobago (POS)
- Hewanorra International Airport, Saint Lucia (UVF)
- Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts (SKB)
- Douglas–Charles Airport, Dominica (DOM)
- Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, Anguilla (AXA)
Impact on Holiday Travel
This weekend marks one of the final peak travel periods of the holiday season. Airlines including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Spirit, and several international carriers have issued travel waivers, canceled hundreds of flights, and warned passengers to expect delays.
Thousands of travelers are stranded or forced to extend stays, while cruise passengers relying on flights are also impacted.
What Travelers Should Know
- Airports are open, but schedules are unstable
- Travelers should check flight status before leaving for the airport
- Airline apps and alerts are essential
- Expect longer routings and possible overnight delays
- Travel insurance and flexible tickets are strongly advised
Why This Matters for Tourism
The situation highlights how geopolitical conflict instantly translates into aviation risk, particularly in highly interconnected regions like the Caribbean. Even destinations far from Venezuela are feeling the impact due to airspace dependencies, FAA safety rules, and airline liability concerns.
For Caribbean tourism authorities, this weekend is a stark reminder that aviation safety, geopolitics, and tourism resilience are inseparable.
eTurboNews will continue to monitor aviation safety, airline operations, and regional travel advisories throughout the weekend.
