FAA Airspace Restrictions Disrupt Flights Across the Caribbean
Airlines have been forced to adjust schedules as FAA restrictions tied to Venezuela are affecting key Caribbean flight corridors.
Photo: Emil Palren / Unsplash
Flight operations across parts of the Caribbean were disrupted today, Jan. 3, after U.S. aviation authorities imposed emergency airspace restrictions tied to military activity involving Venezuela, affecting airports, airlines, and some cruise-related travel throughout the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued multiple Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) prohibiting U.S.-registered commercial aircraft from operating at any altitude within Venezuelan airspace, citing safety concerns. While the restrictions formally apply to Venezuela, they also affect surrounding Caribbean flight corridors frequently used by U.S. carriers, leading to widespread schedule adjustments outside the country. The NOTAMs are scheduled to remain in effect through late January 3, with no confirmation on whether they will be extended.
As the restrictions took effect overnight, U.S. airlines began canceling and rerouting flights across the eastern Caribbean. Impacted airports include San Juan, along with Sint Maarten, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, and other regional gateways. While limited operations may be permitted with FAA approval, commercial air traffic across the region has been reduced.
Airlines confirmed systemwide adjustments as they worked to comply with the FAA notices. Delta Air Lines said it was making schedule changes tied to Caribbean airspace closures, with similar updates issued by United Airlines and American Airlines. JetBlue reported one of the largest cancellation totals linked to the restrictions.
“Due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity, we have canceled approximately 215 flights systemwide,” a JetBlue spokesperson told Axios. “Flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are not affected by the government’s restrictions. Customers whose flights are cancelled may rebook their travel or request a refund.”
The aviation disruption has also affected cruise operations connected to Caribbean homeports, particularly those dependent on same-day air arrivals. In San Juan, cruise disembarkations proceeded as scheduled, with passengers advised to coordinate directly with airlines for onward travel. Virgin Voyages confirmed that ships clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection would maintain original disembarkation timelines, while offering full voyage credits to guests unable to embark on upcoming sailings due to flight disruptions.
The latest FAA action follows longstanding U.S. government restrictions related to Venezuela. The U.S. State Department continues to maintain a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for the country, and the Department of Transportation has barred U.S.-Venezuela commercial air service since 2019. Several international carriers had already suspended Venezuelan routes in recent months amid elevated security concerns.
The FAA has not provided guidance beyond the current NOTAM window. Airlines and operators across the Caribbean are continuing to monitor updates as they plan near-term schedules and passenger movements.
