U.S. airlines are working to transport thousands of passengers who were left without flights after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly closed the airspace over the Eastern Caribbean. The closure, which began early Saturday, was tied to the U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
While the FAA lifted the flight ban at midnight on Sunday, the 24-hour shutdown caused a massive ripple effect across the region. Hundreds of flights were canceled, leaving travelers at major hubs like San Juan, Puerto Rico, and other popular islands unable to return home as scheduled.
To address the backlog, major carriers have significantly increased their capacity. American Airlines added 43 extra flights, providing 7,000 additional seats. Delta Air Lines added 2,600 seats and expects to have most passengers re-accommodated by Tuesday. Other airlines, including JetBlue, United, and Southwest, are also running extra recovery flights.
Despite these efforts, some travelers report significant delays. Some passengers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have been told they may not secure a seat until late in the week. Airline officials recommend that travelers check their flight status online and avoid going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking.
The FAA maintains that the temporary closure was a necessary safety measure due to military activity in the area. While Caribbean routes have reopened, restrictions remain in place for flights entering Venezuelan airspace.
