A recent military operation by the United States led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, disrupting travel across the Caribbean region during a peak vacation period. On Saturday, March 2, 2024, flights over Venezuela were grounded, prompting major airlines to cancel hundreds of flights affecting destinations like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and numerous other islands in the Lesser Antilles.
According to data from FlightRadar24.com, no flights crossed Venezuelan airspace on that day. The Federal Aviation Administration responded by imposing restrictions that resulted in widespread cancellations. As travelers sought to return home, airlines waived change fees for affected passengers, but many faced extended delays.
By late Saturday, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that restrictions would be lifted at midnight EST, allowing airlines to resume normal operations on Sunday. In response, Southwest Airlines added six extra round-trip flights to Puerto Rico and announced additional services to Aruba to accommodate stranded travelers.
Impact on Travelers and Airlines
At the Queen Beatrix Airport in Aruba, authorities anticipated a return to normal operations on Sunday after a day filled with cancellations. This airport, located just 15 miles from Venezuela, is a popular destination for American vacationers. In Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed concern over the significant disruptions to both the airport and seaport, which serve as critical entry points for travelers.
One affected family from Puerto Rico, the Levines, faced the inconvenience of a canceled flight while returning to the Washington, D.C. area. Lou Levine described the challenges they encountered while trying to reschedule with JetBlue. After a prolonged wait for assistance, they managed to secure a flight for Saturday, extending their holiday by an additional week, although it came with unexpected expenses.
Despite the turmoil, Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for AAA, noted that the Caribbean remains a favored destination during this time of year. She highlighted that many travelers were eager to enjoy a final tropical getaway before returning to work and school on Monday.
Flight Cancellations and Responses
On Saturday, nearly 60% of flights to and from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, were canceled due to the military activity in Venezuela. The airport’s announcement underscored the security concerns leading to these restrictions. Airlines like Air Canada maintained operations but offered travelers the option to rebook, while WestJet canceled flights to Aruba for safety reasons.
The cancellations impacted numerous island destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, and Curacao, affecting thousands of passengers. JetBlue reported approximately 215 canceled flights due to the airspace closures, while Dutch carrier KLM also adjusted its schedule but planned to resume services to various Caribbean islands on Sunday.
Those booked on Caribbean cruises were similarly affected. Virgin Voyages announced that travelers unable to reach San Juan in time for their cruise would receive a full credit for a future trip.
As airlines work to restore services and assist travelers, the situation highlights the interconnectedness of international travel and the impact of geopolitical events on civilian transportation.
