Right after the U.S. government launched a sudden strike on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed airspace across the Caribbean. As a result, U.S. airlines canceled hundreds of flights in bulk.
On the 3rd (local time), according to Reuters and Axios, the FAA announced in a notice to air missions (NOTAM) that it had completely banned U.S. passenger flights over Venezuelan airspace and the area to its north. Due to this, travelers using major airports including Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Aruba and Saint Thomas were stranded.
Airlines moved to respond immediately. JetBlue canceled about 215 flights across the Caribbean. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said they are adjusting schedules in line with the FAA's airspace closure. American Airlines is also closely monitoring the situation and communicating with the FAA. However, routes to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are not subject to the restrictions and continue to operate normally.
The situation began as President Donald Trump declared control over Venezuela. Trump, sharing news of Maduro's capture, stressed that he would place Venezuela under U.S. control. He also indicated that he would deploy additional U.S. military force if necessary.
Unlike U.S.-flag carriers, foreign airlines are not subject to the restrictions. Air Canada is operating Caribbean and South American routes normally based on guidance from Transport Canada. Real-time flight-tracking service Flightradar24 said that commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace virtually ceased immediately after the attack.
Experts warned of a potential power vacuum and economic paralysis in Venezuela. Reuters, citing sources, reported that oil exports have been paralyzed due to the country's political turmoil. There is also controversy over whether Maduro's capture is legitimate under international law. The Cuban government strongly condemned the operation as "state terrorism."
Across Latin America, reactions are split between criticism and support, heightening tension. Airlines are waiving change fees and fare differences for customers who booked tickets for this weekend. U.S. Transportation Minister Sean Duffy wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "airspace restrictions will be lifted at an appropriate time."
The U.S. government is avoiding specific comments regarding the FAA's action. The FAA referred related inquiries to the Ministry of National Defense, which then pointed to the White House. The White House has yet to issue an official position.