01/05/2026
URGENT TRAVEL ALERT — JANUARY 5, 2026.
Due to U.S. military strikes in Venezuela today and ongoing military activity in the region, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency airspace restriction over Venezuela and the surrounding areas, including Curaçao. This restriction prohibits all commercial and private U.S. aircraft from flying in that airspace at this time because it is considered unsafe for flight operations.
As a result of this restriction and real-time operational changes, the following impacts are currently observed:
• Major U.S. airlines such as American, United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest are canceling or altering dozens of flights across the Caribbean region and northern South America.
→ European carriers and other international airlines are also experiencing delays and schedule disruptions due to rerouted flights and airspace restrictions.
• Puerto Rico's major airports, including San Juan (SJU), have temporarily suspended most U.S. airline operations under the FAA directive.
Destinations currently affected (either flights canceled or delayed) include:
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN)
Ponce, Puerto Rico (PSE)
St. Thomas, USVI (STT)
St. Croix, USVI (STX)
Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
St. Maarten (SXM)
Barbados (BGI)
Trinidad and Tobago (POS)
Aruba (AUA)
Curaçao (CUR)
Bonaire (BON)
Antigua (ANU)
Grenada (GND)
St. Lucia (UVF)
Guyana (GEO)
Additional Caribbean destinations may see further impacts as the situation develops.
✈️ Air Canada reports that approximately 61% of its flights to the Caribbean experienced delays over the past weekend, impacting connections and overall schedules. The airline is actively working to reschedule affected flights.
Cruise travelers should be aware that this disruption affects more than flights; cruise itineraries that depend on air connections or flyover routes may experience delays, alterations, or port changes due to regional airspace restrictions and safety considerations.
Immediate Actions for Travelers:
• Contact your airline immediately for the latest flight status updates and available options.
• Do not assume your flight is operating as scheduled if you are traveling to or from Caribbean destinations today; verify before heading to the airport.
• Reach out to your travel agent for assistance in rebooking, exploring alternatives, and minimizing travel stress.
• Monitor official updates closely, as this situation is evolving rapidly.
The Caribbean; however, ongoing operational disruptions may affect service reliability. Travelers should follow guidance from their airline and local authorities.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
