Thousands of American tourists are stuck in the Caribbean after US airspace was closed for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last weekend. The situation has left many frustrated and anxious, with some families still waiting to return home.
Prior to the airspace closure, flights were canceled to destinations near Venezuela, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and others. This disruption caused significant inconvenience for travelers, with over 1,000 flights canceled nationwide due to various factors, including weather.
However, after the US military operation was completed, air traffic resumed, but the backlog of stranded tourists has only grown. Airlines are now scrambling to add more flights and provide alternative options to passengers who were supposed to travel on Sunday night but remain stuck in Puerto Rico.
Eyewitnesses have shared their harrowing experiences, with many reporting nearly empty roads leading to airports and few people at the departures drop-off point. Video footage shows an eerie calm at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, where most commercial flights operated by American Airlines were suspended or temporarily canceled.
Despite reassurances from airline officials that passengers will be able to return home soon, many remain anxious about their travel plans. The situation has left families feeling trapped and frustrated, with some still waiting for news on when they can board a flight back to the US.
In an exclusive interview, WPVI-TV anchor Nydia Han shared her family's harrowing experience of being stuck in Puerto Rico after their flight was canceled due to Maduro's capture. "Unfortunately, because of Maduro's capture and airspace being closed, we are stuck here in Vieques," she said, expressing her concern for her children.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials urge passengers to check the status of their flights directly with their airline before arriving at the airport. With many still waiting for news on when they can board a flight back home, the thousands of stranded tourists remain anxiously waiting for answers.
Prior to the airspace closure, flights were canceled to destinations near Venezuela, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and others. This disruption caused significant inconvenience for travelers, with over 1,000 flights canceled nationwide due to various factors, including weather.
However, after the US military operation was completed, air traffic resumed, but the backlog of stranded tourists has only grown. Airlines are now scrambling to add more flights and provide alternative options to passengers who were supposed to travel on Sunday night but remain stuck in Puerto Rico.
Eyewitnesses have shared their harrowing experiences, with many reporting nearly empty roads leading to airports and few people at the departures drop-off point. Video footage shows an eerie calm at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, where most commercial flights operated by American Airlines were suspended or temporarily canceled.
Despite reassurances from airline officials that passengers will be able to return home soon, many remain anxious about their travel plans. The situation has left families feeling trapped and frustrated, with some still waiting for news on when they can board a flight back to the US.
In an exclusive interview, WPVI-TV anchor Nydia Han shared her family's harrowing experience of being stuck in Puerto Rico after their flight was canceled due to Maduro's capture. "Unfortunately, because of Maduro's capture and airspace being closed, we are stuck here in Vieques," she said, expressing her concern for her children.
As the situation continues to unfold, officials urge passengers to check the status of their flights directly with their airline before arriving at the airport. With many still waiting for news on when they can board a flight back home, the thousands of stranded tourists remain anxiously waiting for answers.
I'm literally shaking thinking about those poor families stuck in Puerto Rico 
with no end in sight 
! I mean, I get it, national security and all that jazz 
but come on!!! 1k+ flights canceled just because of some operation? 
That's not a drill people! And now they're scrambling to add more flights... like, what about those who are seriously missing their families and work commitments? 
I'm literally feeling the anxiety vibes through my screen 
. Anyone else as frustrated as me? 
️. I mean, can't imagine being stuck in a foreign country with no clear end date for returning home 
. Like, kudos to those who are being super flexible and patient 
. But others are just sitting around waiting for news on when they can get back home, and that must be so frustrating 
. Maybe provide some kind of emergency accommodations or help with getting them back to the US as soon as possible 
. Something to show them that you care about your customers' well-being 
.
? I feel bad for those families who are stuck there tho, kids must be freaking out not being able to get back home ASAP. Airlines should really step up their game here, like add more flights or something, can't just leave people hanging 
hope these people get back home safe and sound soon 
. Seriously though, I hope these poor folks get back home soon. 
I'm getting a bad vibe from this whole situation... 1k+ flights canceled just to take down Maduro? That's a lot of resources tied up in one operation 
. And what about all the families with kids, waiting for days to get back home? It's not fair that they're being held hostage by this military action 
. I need some solid info on when air traffic will resume and how airlines plan to get these people back to the States ASAP 
Airlines are trying their best to find alternative flights, but it's not exactly reassuring for people who've been waiting non-stop with no news.
️... I mean, I get it that politics and all, but think about all those families stuck in Puerto Rico with no end in sight 
