The recent military operation in Venezuela has left a ripple effect across the Caribbean, causing significant flight disruptions for airlines, including **WestJet**. The U.S. military's actions have led to widespread cancellations and delays, affecting over 300 flights originating and arriving in Puerto Rico and the broader Caribbean region .
WestJet, a prominent Canadian airline, is among the carriers grappling with the fallout. The suspension of air travel in Puerto Rico and the subsequent cancellations have left many passengers stranded, with hundreds of flights either delayed or entirely canceled .
The situation began to unfold on Saturday, January 3, 2026, when the U.S. military conducted an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This operation led to airspace closures and restrictions, causing a domino effect on travel schedules across the Caribbean .
WestJet, like other major airlines, has been forced to adjust its schedules to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new restrictions. The FAA's ban on U.S. overflights of Venezuelan airspace has resulted in widespread flight cancellations and delays, affecting numerous Caribbean destinations, including Puerto Rico, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
On Saturday, over 60% of flights to popular Caribbean airports, such as San Juan, St. Thomas, and Aruba, were canceled. This disruption has left many travelers in limbo, with their holiday plans disrupted by the unexpected closures and cancellations .
Passengers who were planning to fly to Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations have been left with a travel-induced headache, as airlines scramble to rebook flights and manage the chaos . The airspace is expected to reopen on Sunday, January 5, 2026, at 5 AM, which may offer some relief for travelers impacted by the cancellations .
WestJet has issued warnings to its customers, advising them of potential delays, diversions, or cancellations for flights to Aruba, Punta Cana, and San Juan. The airline has also highlighted the possibility of similar disruptions for flights to other destinations in the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands north of Venezuela .
As the Caribbean region continues to deal with the aftermath of the military operation, airlines like WestJet are working diligently to restore normalcy. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global travel and the potential for widespread disruptions due to geopolitical events. The airline industry and travelers alike are hoping for a swift resolution so that travel can resume as planned. However, the situation remains fluid, and many are still awaiting updates on the status of their flights and the reopening of airspace in the region.
