Major airlines canceled dozens of flights across the Caribbean on January 3, 2026, following overnight U.S. military strikes on Venezuela that President Donald Trump said resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The disruptions stem from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emergency ban on U.S. aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace and parts of the eastern Caribbean, citing “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity.”
The FAA’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), issued early January 3, prohibits U.S. commercial carriers from all altitudes in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (covering Venezuela and nearby waters), with extensions affecting routes near Curaçao, Aruba, and Puerto Rico. Explosions rocked Caracas and military sites overnight, prompting global rerouting and cancellations.
Key Airlines and Impacts
- JetBlue: Canceled about 215 flights, primarily to Puerto Rico, Aruba, and other eastern Caribbean spots; Dominican Republic and Jamaica routes unaffected.
- American Airlines: Monitoring closely; cancellations focused on Puerto Rico (e.g., Aguadilla airport saw stranded passengers sleeping on floors).
- KLM: Canceled flights to Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Georgetown (Guyana), and Bridgetown (Barbados), affecting ~1,200 passengers.
- Other carriers: Widespread delays and reroutes for flights to/from North America to South America (e.g., Panama, Colombia), adding hours due to detours avoiding Venezuelan airspace.
No direct U.S.-Venezuela flights have operated for years due to prior restrictions, but overflights and regional routes are heavily impacted. GPS jamming reports in the Caribbean added to navigation concerns.
Trump announced the “large-scale strike” and Maduro’s capture on Truth Social, with a Mar-a-Lago press conference scheduled for details. Venezuelan officials demanded “proof of life” and condemned the action.
For U.S. readers, these cancellations disrupt post-holiday travel and winter escapes to the Caribbean—expect delays, rebookings, and higher fares short-term. Broader routes to South America face longer flights and potential knock-on effects. Check airline apps for updates; disruptions may ease if restrictions lift, but volatility persists amid the crisis.
This U.S. action on Venezuela triggers immediate aviation fallout across the Caribbean, with airlines prioritizing safety through cancellations and reroutes. Travelers: Stay flexible as the situation evolves rapidly.
By Sam Michael
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