7 January 2026
By Publisher Ray Carmen
A dramatic chain of events tied to a U.S. military operation in Venezuela has triggered major disruptions in Caribbean air travel — leaving many American holiday‑makers unexpectedly stranded on islands from Puerto Rico to Aruba and Curaçao.
The disturbance began in early January when U.S. authorities temporarily closed portions of Caribbean airspace for commercial aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) restricting U.S. airline operations ahead of and during a complex mission that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
As a result, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed, leaving thousands of travelers — many of them Americans — scrambling to rebook or extend their stays. Major U.S. carriers including American, Delta, United, Southwest and JetBlue were among those forced to suspend services temporarily.
Travelers shared their experiences on social media, describing plans cut short or extended by days amid the uncertainty. One visitor in Aruba reported waiting three days beyond their planned departure, while another family in Curaçaostruggled to secure seats home for eight people amid intense booking competition.
While FAA restrictions were later lifted and flights began resuming, some tourists continued to encounter limited options and longer wait times as airlines worked to rebalance schedules and aircraft positions across the region. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, for example, travelers have reported delays extending into the following week as carriers try to clear the backlog.
The disruption has underlined how regional aviation systems can be vulnerable to sudden geopolitical developments — especially during peak travel periods — and has prompted many travelers to check travel waivers, insurance policies, and flexible ticket options when visiting the Caribbean.
