U.S. Operation to Capture Maduro Triggers Widespread Caribbean Flight Disruptions

A U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro early Saturday caused widespread flight cancellations across the Caribbean during one of the busiest travel weekends of the season.

Airspace over Venezuela was closed as a security precaution, prompting airlines to cancel hundreds of flights to and from destinations including Puerto Rico, Aruba, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and several Lesser Antilles nations. According to flight-tracking data, no commercial aircraft crossed Venezuelan airspace for much of the day.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary restrictions, which U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said would be lifted by midnight Saturday, allowing airlines to resume normal service Sunday.

Major carriers waived change fees, and some added extra flights to help stranded travelers return home. Southwest Airlines scheduled additional trips to Puerto Rico and Aruba, while JetBlue canceled more than 200 flights, citing airspace closures tied to military activity.

The disruptions left thousands of travelers scrambling. In Puerto Rico, nearly 60% of flights at San Juan’s main airport were canceled. Some travelers extended their vacations unexpectedly, while others faced mounting costs for lodging and pet care back home.

Caribbean leaders warned of economic fallout. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the conflict severely disrupted both air and sea ports, affecting tourism and cruise travel.

Airlines including KLM and WestJet said they planned to gradually restore service, while cruise operators offered credits to passengers who missed departures due to flight delays.

Though holiday travel had already peaked, experts said the Caribbean remains a top winter destination, making the disruption particularly impactful. Officials urged travelers to monitor airline alerts as schedules stabilize.