Maduro's Capture Disrupts Caribbean Air Travel
The U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and subsequent removal from the country on Saturday has caused significant travel disruptions across the Caribbean. The region, typically bustling with travelers, faced a sudden halt in air traffic due to the military operation.
According to FlightRadar24.com, no flights were crossing Venezuela's airspace on that day. Major airlines across the eastern Caribbean canceled hundreds of flights, citing ongoing restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These cancellations affected travel to and from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and other destinations near Venezuela.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured the public that the airspace restrictions would be lifted when appropriate, urging travelers to work directly with their airlines for rebooking or refunds. The FAA's initial announcement mentioned a temporary restriction on Puerto Rico's international airport and surrounding areas, citing a 'security situation related to military activity' in Venezuela.
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan confirmed these restrictions, leading to the suspension or potential cancellation of flights operated by U.S. airlines. Foreign airlines and military aircraft were exempt. Air Canada, JetBlue, United, Southwest, and American Airlines all adjusted their schedules, offering fee waivers for affected passengers.
Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver for customers impacted by the disruptions, valid through Tuesday. Maduro and his wife are expected to arrive at New York Stewart International Airport later in the day, with plans to hand him over to federal authorities upon arrival. The airport is located in the Hudson Valley, approximately 60 miles north of Manhattan.
