By [Sahil] — January 4, 2026
Air travel between the United States and the Caribbean began returning to normal on Sunday, January 4, 2026, after major airlines resumed flights that were temporarily suspended due to airspace restrictions linked to recent military activity in Venezuela.
The disruption began late Saturday when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary restrictions on U.S. carriers flying over parts of the Caribbean and Venezuelan airspace. The safety measure came amid a sudden U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, prompting aviation authorities to restrict flights ahead of potential risks.
However, the FAA announced that the restrictions expired at midnight Eastern Time, clearing the way for carriers to restore regular service. Transportation officials and airlines moved quickly to update schedules and reconnect popular Caribbean destinations with the U.S. and other international hubs.
Airlines Back in the Air
Major U.S. carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue began resuming flights to and from key Caribbean destinations on Sunday. Airlines are working through the backlog of delayed departures and arrivals, though it may take several days for flight schedules and aircraft crews to fully return to normal.
At V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, authorities confirmed that flights resumed after the regional airspace restrictions were lifted, allowing carriers to accommodate passengers affected by the earlier cancellations. American Airlines also added extra flights on Miami–Antigua routes to help manage the recovery effort.
Key Destinations & Passenger Guidance
Travelers heading to popular Caribbean islands — including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curaçao, Aruba, and Dominica — are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight times, as adjustments to schedules may still occur while airlines reallocate aircraft and crews.
Airlines have also implemented travel waivers and flexibility policies, allowing customers with affected bookings to rebook without extra charges or receive refunds, helping ease the frustration of those whose plans were disrupted over the weekend.
What Caused the Delay?
The unprecedented flight disruption stemmed from airspace restrictions issued by U.S. aviation authorities in response to geopolitical events in Venezuela. While the directive was brief, lasting only around 24 hours, it forced airlines to cancel or delay hundreds of flights as they navigated safety mandates and shifting flight paths.
Travel industry analysts say that restoring full flight operations will likely take some time, given the complexity of repositioning aircraft, crews, and schedules after a sudden halt in service.