US Military Operation Disrupts Caribbean Travel as Maduro's Capture Sparks Restrictions
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent departure from the country has left hundreds of flights canceled across the Eastern Caribbean, stranding travelers during a busy holiday season.
Air travel disruptions occurred after the US military operation that led to Maduro's capture prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose airspace restrictions on Venezuela. According to FlightRadar24.com, no airline flights were able to cross over Venezuela on Saturday, with major airlines canceling hundreds of flights across the region.
Caribbean destinations affected by the cancellations included Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and several other islands in the Lesser Antilles group north of Venezuela. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and WestJet canceled numerous flights to these destinations, with some offering passengers the option to rebook their trips.
Southwest Airlines added extra flights to Puerto Rico on Sunday's schedule, while JetBlue canceled around 215 flights due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity. KLM also canceled thousands of flights affecting thousands of passengers but planned to resume service on Sunday to and from several islands.
Travelers were forced to endure disruptions at airports such as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where nearly 60% of all flights were canceled. Some airlines offered flexible rebooking options to affected passengers, while others provided full credits for future trips.
The disruption had a significant impact on holiday travelers, with many facing unexpected delays and expenses. "It's fine," said Lou Levine, who was initially stuck in Puerto Rico due to his flight cancellation. "But it's really painful on the wallet." The capture of Maduro has left many passengers stranded as they attempt to return home from their Caribbean vacations.
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent departure from the country has left hundreds of flights canceled across the Eastern Caribbean, stranding travelers during a busy holiday season.
Air travel disruptions occurred after the US military operation that led to Maduro's capture prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose airspace restrictions on Venezuela. According to FlightRadar24.com, no airline flights were able to cross over Venezuela on Saturday, with major airlines canceling hundreds of flights across the region.
Caribbean destinations affected by the cancellations included Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and several other islands in the Lesser Antilles group north of Venezuela. Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and WestJet canceled numerous flights to these destinations, with some offering passengers the option to rebook their trips.
Southwest Airlines added extra flights to Puerto Rico on Sunday's schedule, while JetBlue canceled around 215 flights due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity. KLM also canceled thousands of flights affecting thousands of passengers but planned to resume service on Sunday to and from several islands.
Travelers were forced to endure disruptions at airports such as Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where nearly 60% of all flights were canceled. Some airlines offered flexible rebooking options to affected passengers, while others provided full credits for future trips.
The disruption had a significant impact on holiday travelers, with many facing unexpected delays and expenses. "It's fine," said Lou Levine, who was initially stuck in Puerto Rico due to his flight cancellation. "But it's really painful on the wallet." The capture of Maduro has left many passengers stranded as they attempt to return home from their Caribbean vacations.