New York — The US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and removed him from the country early Saturday also disrupted travel in the Caribbean at a busy travel time in the region.
No flights crossed over Venezuela on Saturday, according to FlightRadar24.com. Major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the Eastern Caribbean and warned passengers that disruptions could continue for several days after the Federal Aviation Administration imposed restrictions.
Flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba and other destinations near Venezuela have been cancelled. Airlines are waiving change fees for passengers who have to reschedule their flights this weekend.
The Federal Aviation Administration had previously said it had imposed temporary restrictions on the airspace of Puerto Rico International Airport and surrounding areas.
An announcement from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, posted on the social media site
As a result, most commercial flights to and from the airport operated by US airlines have been suspended or may be cancelled.
The statement said that foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included in this restriction. “We urge passengers to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.”
JetBlue said it had canceled about 215 flights “due to the closure of airspace across the Caribbean due to military activity.” She also noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by government restrictions. The company said customers can rebook their travel or request a refund if flights are cancelled.
United said it is adjusting its schedule to take into account the closure of airspace in the Venezuela region. It said customers can change their travel plans in the region for free as it continues to monitor the situation and work with US aviation authorities.
Southwest said it canceled all its flights to Aruba on Saturday and suspended its flights to Puerto Rico until late afternoon, but flights to the Dominican Republic were not affected.
American said it will waive change fees for flights to and from about 20 destinations on the islands, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, St. Lucia and the US and British Virgin Islands.
Delta said it had issued a travel exemption for customers traveling to and from 13 affected airports through Tuesday.
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