Several Caribbean Islands Suspend Flights Following FAA Order Due to U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
Air connectivity in the Caribbean is experiencing a period of high tension after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered temporary restrictions in the airspace of several islands, as a preventive measure linked to U.S. military action in Venezuela. The decision is already having direct effects on key airports in the region and on the operations of numerous airlines.
Air Restriction in Puerto Rico
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport officially reported that the airspace covering Puerto Rico has been temporarily restricted for U.S. airlines. The instruction was issued by the FAA as an aviation safety order and took effect immediately.
According to details provided by the terminal’s administration, this provision responds exclusively to safety considerations associated with the military situation in Venezuela. The airport clarified that the measure is not related to any internal event in Puerto Rico nor to operational problems within the facility.
Suspension and Possible Cancellations of Commercial Flights
As a direct consequence of this federal order, most commercial flights operated by U.S. airlines, both departing from and arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín Airport, are suspended or could be temporarily canceled.
The initial restriction is in effect for approximately 24 hours. However, the FAA warned that the deadline could be extended, depending on how the scenario evolves and on new safety assessments conducted by federal authorities.
Excluded Airlines and Actual Scope of the Measure
The airport specified that foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included within this limitation, provided they have the corresponding authorizations issued by the FAA. This implies the closure is not absolute, although it does generate a significant impact on air connectivity managed by U.S. companies.
During the next 24 hours, the airspace will remain closed in areas including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean islands, extending the regional scope of the restriction.
Other Affected Caribbean Destinations
In addition to Puerto Rico, restrictions and cancellations have also been reported for flights to and from the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and Curaçao, among other Caribbean destinations. Although the order does not officially apply to international flights, several airlines chose to suspend operations as a precautionary measure.
This decision reflects the level of caution adopted by air operators in a changing security context, prioritizing the protection of crews, passengers, and aircraft.
Airport authorities and airlines continue to monitor the situation constantly, awaiting new guidelines from the FAA. Meanwhile, passengers are advised to stay informed through their airlines before heading to the airports.
The evolution of the scenario in the coming hours will be key to determining whether the restrictions are lifted as planned or if they are extended beyond the initially announced deadline.
Related Topics
India Intensifies Scrutiny on Airfares as Antitrust Regulator Focuses on IndiGo
STARLUX Receives Its First Airbus A350-1000, Bolstering Its Long-Range Fleet
Cathay Pacific Kicks Off its 80th Anniversary Celebrations
Air India Seeks New CEO Amid Intense Scrutiny Over Operational and Safety Failures
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.