The Caribbean region is grappling with unprecedented **flight cancellations** following a major U.S. military operation in Venezuela. The U.S. and European airlines canceled **hundreds of flights** to the Caribbean, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and causing widespread disruptions in travel plans.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace restrictions, prohibiting flights to and from the region as a result of the U.S. strike on Venezuela. This decision follows a significant move by the Trump administration, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and subsequent cancellation of major airlines flights.
The most severely impacted destinations include **San Juan, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Aruba** where around 60% of scheduled flights were canceled by 5:30 p.m. Eastern time on the day of the attack, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers.
**Puerto Rico's main airport** was hit particularly hard, canceling nearly half of its flights due to the airspace shutdown, which was implemented for safety reasons following the U.S. military operation.
U.S. airlines have responded by waiving change fees for flights in and out of the Caribbean, offering some relief to passengers dealing with the uncertainty of travel. However, the disruptions are expected to continue for several days as airlines scramble to re-route flights and accommodate stranded passengers.
**Major airlines** including American Airlines, Delta, and United have issued warnings about ongoing disruptions, advising passengers to stay informed about their flight status and potential changes to their travel plans.
The FAA's restrictions have effectively closed parts of Caribbean airspace, making it impossible for U.S. airlines to operate in the region, and further complicating the situation for travelers.
Overall, the situation remains fluid, with airlines and authorities working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. For travelers with plans to visit the Caribbean, staying informed and flexible will be key in navigating the ongoing disruptions.
