Several airlines, including Avianca, Latam, and American Airlines, have resumed operations to Caribbean destinations such as Aruba, Curazao, and San Juan, after the US Federal Aviation Administration lifted temporary restrictions due to military operations in Venezuela. These measures disrupted hundreds of flights over the weekend, affecting thousands of passengers. The gradual reactivation began yesterday and continues today.
US military operations in Venezuela caused significant disruptions to commercial air traffic to the Caribbean over the weekend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily restricted airspace on Saturday, prioritizing Department of Defense activities, leading to the cancellation or suspension of dozens of routes. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico was the most affected, with 357 flights impacted, followed by Aruba with 89 operations canceled.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the restrictions were lifted at 05:00 GMT on Sunday, allowing updates to safety instructions and reopening air traffic to key destinations. Consequently, the aviation industry began a gradual reactivation extending through tomorrow, restoring routes from Latin America, Europe, and the United States.
Avianca was among the first to announce the resumption of flights to and from Aruba, Curazao, and San Juan. The airline activated a passenger reaccommodation plan, contacting them with new itineraries and allowing rescheduling without cost up to 14 days later, plus refunds for unused segments.
Latam Airlines Colombia restored its frequencies between Bogotá, Aruba, and Curazao. "Affected passengers are being proactively contacted using the data registered in their bookings," the company stated, expressing regret for the inconveniences.
Wingo maintained uninterrupted operations to Curazao and Aruba, though it suspended flights to Venezuela since December 4. Copa Airlines reactivated services to Maracaibo after the reopening of La Chinita International Airport, offering date or destination changes without additional fees.
US airlines such as American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue bolstered their routes with extra flights and larger aircraft. From Europe, Iberia recovered its daily Madrid-San Juan route, maintaining regular operations to other Caribbean destinations.
This reactivation aims to normalize regional connectivity, with companies continuously monitoring the security situation in coordination with authorities.
