Airlines cancelled flights across the Caribbean on Saturday, Jan. 3, after the United States conducted air strikes on Venezuela. Following reports of the attacks, the US’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM), banning US-registered airplanes from flying into Venezuelan airspace, starting Saturday at 06:00 a.m. UTC.
Flight cancellations
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the military strikes on Venezuela led to the capture of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro. Following the reports, the FAA banned U.S. airlines from flying in Venezuelan airspace. Venezuela responded by declaring a state of “external commotion”.
Multiple U.S. airlines cancelled flights to airports in Puerto Rico and Aruba. American Airlines, one of the last major airlines to stop flights to Venezuela, said that it was making schedule arrangements due to airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean. Prominent U.S. airlines had already stopped flying directly to Venezuela amid unrest.
Flights from airlines operating in the region have been diverted over Colombia and east over the Caribbean Sea. Routes connecting Colombia, Panama, Brazil and the Eastern Caribbean faced disruptions as well.
Many European airlines have also cancelled flights to the region, with KLM’s cancellations affecting over 2,600 passengers. The Dutch airline said in a statement:
“Due to the situation in Venezuela, the airspace around Curacao has been closed. KLM’s flights scheduled for today to Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Port of Spain, Georgetown, and Bridgetown have been delayed.”
It further added:
“KLM is closely monitoring the situation and will make a decision later today regarding the impact on flights scheduled in the coming days to and from Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Port of Spain, Georgetown, and Bridgetown.”
KLM flights that were en route from these destinations arrived safely in Amsterdam. The airline said it will further adjust its routes accordingly.
The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, in an advisory on its website, said:
“Due to the closure of Venezuelan airspace, there are currently no flights operating from Schiphol to Venezuela and a number of destinations in the surrounding region. As a result, several flights to and from Schiphol have been cancelled.”
Travel advisory issued
Other countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens. The UK Government, for instance, has advised against all travel to Venezuela. The government’s website further reads:
“On 3 January, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country. This could lead to closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace.”
The situation in Venezuela is developing. Passengers must check with their airline and the relevant authorities before flying.
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