Caribbean flights canceled as Trump strikes Venezuela
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Parts of Caribbean airspace near Venezuela are effectively off-limits to U.S. passenger airlines after President Trump's surprise overnight strikes in that country, forcing at least hundreds of flight cancellations.
Why it matters: Airlines are scrambling their schedules, leaving travelers unclear on when they'll actually be able to fly to and from the area.
Driving the news: A fresh set of FAA NOTAMS — "Notices to Airmen" — effectively bar American passenger airlines from operating in a swath of Caribbean airspace.
- They cover airspace over Venezuela as well as areas to the north of it, affecting airports and travelers across the Caribbean.
- Airports in Puerto Rico, Sint Maarten, St. Croix, Aruba and Saint Thomas are just some of those affected.
The NOTAMs are set to last through late Saturday night.
- NOTAMs can be extended or canceled early.
- Flights in the area are allowed with FAA approval, but it's unclear how many civilian flights will be permitted — if any at all.
For the record: The FAA directed Axios to the Defense Department for comment. DOD directed Axios to the White House. The White House did not immediately respond.
What they're saying: Major U.S. airlines say they're adjusting their schedules and encourage passengers to visit their respective websites or apps for rescheduling info.
- "Delta is closely monitoring the situation in the Caribbean and is making schedule adjustments in compliance with FAA airspace closures," Delta Air Lines said in a statement. Delta's full list of affected airports, by identifier: SJU, SXM, STX, STT, AUA, SKB, CUR, BGI, UVF, BON, SVD, GND and ANU.
- "United is adjusting its schedule to account for airspace closures in the Venezuela region on Saturday," a United Airlines spokesperson tells Axios.
- "American Airlines is aware of the airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean that were issued in the middle of the night and is closely monitoring the situation with the FAA," an American Airlines spokesperson tells Axios.
- "Due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity, we have canceled approximately 215 flights systemwide," a JetBlue spokesperson tells Axios. "Flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are not affected by the government's restrictions. Customers whose flights are cancelled may rebook their travel or request a refund."
