Caribbean airspace closes as U.S. operation targets Maduro; Puerto Rico flights ease after weekend disruption
U.S. operation to capture Maduro closed airspace, stranding tourists; Puerto Rico cancellations declined from Saturday to Sunday, with most Saturday cancellations due to adverse conditions.
Overview
The U.S. military conducted a mission aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro, prompting closure of airspace and leaving American tourists stranded and uncertain about travel plans.
Separately, Puerto Rico's airport saw cancellations drop from Saturday to Sunday, with most cancellations occurring on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions affecting regional travel.
Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver covering customers traveling to or from 13 airports, valid through January 6, and allowing changes via delta.com, the app, or customer service.
The updates highlight ongoing disruption in travel, noting carriers are offering waivers to ease itinerary changes while airlines work to restore normal schedules and reassure affected passengers.
The original Delta waiver referenced disruptions at listed airports but did not specify which airports or provide exact causes, limiting readers' immediate clarity on affected routes.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as straightforward travel disruption rooted in a security-related airspace closure. They emphasize official notices, airline adjustments, and traveler experiences, while avoiding evaluative judgments about Maduro or the U.S. actions. The coverage relies on authorities, carriers, and passengers, with limited editorial framing.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Operation Absolute Resolve, launched on January 3, 2026, involved U.S. Armed Forces airstrikes across northern Venezuela and a Delta Force apprehension in Caracas to capture Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.
The FAA issued a notice prohibiting U.S. aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity during the capture operation.
The airspace closure stranded American tourists, causing uncertainty about travel plans amid the U.S. military mission targeting Maduro.
Puerto Rico's airport saw cancellations drop from Saturday to Sunday, with most on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.
Delta issued a waiver for customers traveling to or from 13 airports, valid through January 6, 2026, allowing changes via delta.com, app, or customer service.
History
3 sources