Miami International Airport (MIA) experienced suspensions and cancellations of flights destined for the Caribbean this weekend following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. These actions were taken as part of a U.S. military operation, which also included actions in Venezuelan territory and restrictions in regional airspace.
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Safety-Related Restrictions and Cancellations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily closed airspace over Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean due to «flight safety risks associated with ongoing military activities.» This measure forced the cancellation and delay of numerous flights at Miami and other airports with routes to Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, and others.
At Miami International Airport, at least 107 flights were canceled on Saturday. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport also recorded significant delays and cancellations.
Passengers faced long lines, uncertainty, and problems reclaiming their luggage. Some were stranded for hours while trying to reschedule their itineraries.
Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and others, were forced to temporarily suspend their flights to ensure operational safety amid the regional climate of tension.
Flight Resumption and Security Alerts
After remaining closed for approximately 24 hours, the airspace restrictions were lifted starting at midnight on Sunday. This allowed airlines to begin resuming their normal operations to and from the Caribbean from Sunday morning.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy reported that companies would quickly update their itineraries and recommended that travelers remain in contact with their airlines.
Despite the lifting of the ban, aeronautical authorities issued security alerts (NOTAMs) valid until February 2, urging increased caution in key Caribbean regions, including the flight information regions of:
- Maiquetía
- Curaçao
- San Juan
- Trinidad and Tobago.
These alerts do not imply an automatic closure but require flight plan reviews and compel airlines to assess operational risks at different altitudes.
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Impact on Travelers
Although flights have been able to resume, the impact of the temporary suspension is still being felt among passengers traveling to or returning from those Caribbean routes.
Many travelers had to reschedule their flights, wait for long hours at airports, or face uncertainty about their luggage and connections. Airlines have implemented measures such as adding extra flights and waiving itinerary change fees to mitigate the situation.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro has generated a shockwave not only politically but also logistically for regional air transport, with direct repercussions on connectivity between the United States and Caribbean islands during the period of airspace restriction.
These alerts do not imply an automatic closure but require flight plan reviews and compel airlines to assess operational risks at different altitudes.
