Saturday’s U.S. strikes on Venezuela forced the closure of Venezuelan airspace and disrupted flights across the Caribbean. The move prompted U.S. aviation officials to warn commercial airlines of potential danger in the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration said carriers should avoid parts of Caribbean airspace because of a “potentially hazardous situation.” The agency did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted.
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By midday Saturday, Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers for passengers flying to or from 13 affected airports, allowing changes through Jan. 6. American Airlines posted a similar advisory, while Southwest Airlines said service could be canceled Saturday and Sunday to destinations including Aruba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
By early afternoon, hundreds of flights had been canceled out of San Juan, according to airport officials.
U.S. citizens in Venezuela were advised to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota said it is monitoring the situation. Venezuela remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, the highest warning issued by the U.S. government.
The disruptions come during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. AAA reports that eight of the top 10 international holiday destinations for Americans are in the Caribbean. With flight restrictions expected to remain in effect through at least Sunday, it remains unclear how many travelers could be stranded across the region.
