Flight Disruptions Following U.S. Operation
Several airlines in the United States have canceled or delayed flights throughout the Caribbean following a military operation by American forces in Venezuela on Saturday.
The cancellations were triggered by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to close airspace in the region.
Delta Air Lines announced that it began canceling flights early Saturday morning to comply with FAA regulations, informing affected customers via the Delta app.
American Airlines stated, “We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind.” JetBlue reported that 215 of its flights were canceled due to the airspace restrictions.
The cancellations impact various destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, Aruba and Trinidad and Tobago are particularly close to Venezuela’s coastline.
A traveler named Amy McDonagh was scheduled to return to New Jersey from Aruba on Saturday. She expressed her unease about staying longer in Aruba amidst ongoing conflict nearby: “When there is a war going on just a 30-minute flight away, it doesn’t feel great.”
Many airlines are waiving change fees for passengers needing to rebook their flights. American Airlines announced it would waive fees for those who purchased tickets on Friday or earlier for travel on Saturday or Sunday if they rebook by Sunday. JetBlue is also waiving change fees for affected travelers who booked before Saturday.
Southwest Airlines informed customers that they could receive refunds or rebook without additional charges within two weeks of their original flight date if their flights were canceled. Spirit Airlines will waive modification charges for rebooked flights originally set for Saturday and Sunday through January 11.
The U.S. military operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Both have been indicted on federal charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy among other serious offenses.
