Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights across the Eastern Caribbean on January 3 after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered commercial carriers to avoid airspace near Venezuela, following overnight military strikes announced by president Donald Trump.
According to a Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) press release, “flight operations in and out of the United States of America into airports in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean have been significantly disrupted today, with several services affected by delays and cancellations.”
The FAA’s emergency directives, known as Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), effectively closed large sections of Eastern Caribbean skies. Airports in Puerto Rico, Aruba, St Maarten, St Croix, Saint Thomas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada, US Virgin Islands and Antigua were among those said to be impacted.
Airline response:
- JetBlue Airways, which operates extensively in the region, cancelled about 215 flights systemwide. The carrier said that routes to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica in the northern Caribbean were not affected.
- American Airlines confirmed schedule adjustments, citing “the safety and security of customers and team members”.
- Delta Airlines listed the following affected airports: San Juan, Aruba, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada.
- United Airlines and Southwest Airlines also reported cancellations tied to the FAA restrictions.
The cancellations left travellers stranded or uncertain about when flights would resume. Tourism officials across the region expressed concern about the disruption during the peak winter travel season.
The FAA said the restrictions were initially set to expire late on January 3, but could be extended depending on security assessments. Airlines advised passengers to check websites and apps for rebooking or refund options.
SLASPA advised that passengers affected by cancellations, significant delays, or uncertainty regarding their travel plans to contact their respective airlines directly for further information.
US carriers have not flown directly to Venezuela for years, with American Airlines halting service in 2019 amid political unrest. The current restrictions, however, extend beyond Venezuelan airspace, affecting much of the surrounding Caribbean.
