The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the reopening of Caribbean airspace to US carriers, allowing airlines to resume service to multiple airports across the region. This decision, effective from midnight Eastern Time on January 4, 2024, follows an emergency Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued early on January 3, which was prompted by a significant US military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
The FAA temporarily closed the airspace as a safety measure during a military mission aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The operation involved approximately 150 US military aircraft, including jets, helicopters, and drones. This precaution came after a series of near-miss incidents heightened concerns about potential midair collisions, particularly in light of a previous accident involving an American Eagle flight and a US Army helicopter.
In a statement on his X account, US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that the airspace restrictions would expire at 12:00 am ET, stating, “The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00 am ET and flights can resume. Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly.” Passengers affected by the earlier flight cancellations are advised to coordinate with their airlines for the latest information.
With the FAA’s announcement, airlines such as JetBlue and Delta Air Lines are prepared to reactivate their Caribbean services. JetBlue, heavily impacted by the airspace closure, reported the cancellation of over 200 flights on January 3, while Delta scrapped more than 100 services to the region. JetBlue plans to resume normal operations on January 4 and may increase frequencies on specific routes as capacity allows. Meanwhile, Delta aims to operate its standard Caribbean schedule but has indicated that some adjustments may occur as resources are repositioned.
Significant Disruptions Across Caribbean Airports
The FAA’s airspace closure unfolded during a busy travel period, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in Caribbean airports. Puerto Rico’s San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) emerged as the hardest hit, recording approximately 400 flight cancellations on January 3. Other airports, including Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba, each experienced around 100 cancellations as well.
Miami International Airport (MIA), a major hub for Caribbean flights, also felt the impact, with over 100 cancellations reported, alongside more than 400 flight delays throughout the day. The chaos at these airports underscored the challenges faced by travelers during this peak travel season, as many passengers found themselves stranded or facing delays in returning to the US.
As airlines work to restore regular flight schedules, the reopening of Caribbean airspace marks a crucial step toward alleviating the travel disruptions experienced by thousands over the past few days. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight statuses and to reach out to their respective airlines for assistance.
