As of January 3, 2026, travel throughout the Caribbean has been severely disrupted following U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the subsequent capture of Nicolás Maduro. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting all U.S. aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace, and safety-related restrictions have also expanded into the airspace near Puerto Rico and the Eastern Caribbean.
While a precise total number of “Caribbean-based” airlines is fluctuating as schedules change, the impact is widespread across both regional and international carriers.
Major Airlines Affected
At least six major U.S. and European carriers have confirmed significant cancellations or delays for their Caribbean routes today:
- JetBlue: Has been the most heavily impacted regional player, reporting approximately 215 flight cancellations today. Impacted routes include San Juan, St. Thomas, Barbados, Aruba, and Trinidad.
- American Airlines: Confirmed widespread schedule adjustments and cancellations for the Eastern Caribbean.
- Delta Air Lines: Processed numerous cancellations early this morning for flights into the region.
- KLM: Canceled flights to several Dutch Caribbean destinations, including Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, affecting over 1,200 passengers.
- United Airlines & Southwest: Both carriers have “pulled back” flying and canceled multiple segments to the Caribbean and northern South America.
- Caribbean Airlines: While some regional flights remain on time, several services to the U.S. have been delayed or revised as they navigate the new airspace restrictions.
Regional Impact Snapshot
| Region | Status |
| Puerto Rico | FAA restrictions have led to the suspension of most commercial flights by U.S. carriers at San Juan (SJU). |
| Dutch Caribbean | Flights to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are heavily impacted due to their proximity to Venezuelan airspace. |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Airports (STT and STX) remain open, but U.S. carrier flights are largely suspended. |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Flights have been turned back mid-air or canceled, including JetBlue and American Airlines services. |
Current Situation
The airspace over Venezuela is currently entirely empty of commercial traffic. Most airlines are opting for a conservative approach, cancelling flights rather than attempting complex reroutes that risk further disruptions or safety issues.
Note for Travelers: If you are traveling today, you should check your flight status directly with your airline’s mobile app or website. Most airlines have issued travel waivers allowing you to rebook without penalty.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines began cancelling flights early this morning in compliance with FAA airspace closures in the Caribbean.
As cancellations are processed, customers will receive notifications via the Fly Delta app and contact information listed in their reservation.
