UPDATE: Carriers resume Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions lifted

In a post on X, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy advised that the airspace restrictions implemented on Jan. 3 in the Eastern Caribbean had been lifted.

Duffy said in that post that: “The original restrictions around Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00 am and flights can resume.

He continued: “Airlines are informed and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions.

Major airlines have begun to resume service, with carriers like American, United, Delta and others indicating that they are adding additional flights to

In an update on its Delta indicated it was resuming flights to and from 13 airports that were impacted by the airspace restrictions and expects to operate its normal Caribbean schedule today (Jan. 4) “with possible schedule adjustments as airline resources are repositioned.”

The carrier has also issued a travel waiver for customers traveling to or from the 13 airports between today and Jan. 6.

U.S. action in Venezuela closes airspace, disrupts flights

(Posted Jan. 3, 2026)

Airlines serving destinations in the Eastern Caribbean were cancelling flights today as they complied with an FAA Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) that closed the airspace in the region following U.S. military action in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

American, Delta, Southwest and other U.S. airlines either diverted or cancelled flights to destinations that included Puerto Rico and Aruba.

The FAA’s NOTAM is in effect until midnight on Jan. 4, 2026.

Reactions to the U.S. action continue to come in as the situation remains fluid.

In a brief statement following a meeting today (Jan. 3, 2026), the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM said that it is “actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries.”

Adding that: “CARICOM will continue to update the people of the Region as more information is received.”

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement that: “The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.”

The statement continues: “Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected.”

And it concludes: “The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.”