The high-stakes U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro sent shockwaves through the Caribbean this weekend, grounding hundreds of flights and leaving vacationers stranded during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abruptly closed Caribbean airspace to facilitate the operation, triggering immediate and widespread disruptions. Popular holiday destinations, including Aruba and Puerto Rico, saw departures grind to a halt.
Data from FlightAware indicates that hundreds of flights were canceled over the weekend, upending plans for thousands of travelers attempting to return home.
READ: Maduro Out, Questions Remain: Congress Returns To A War Powers Showdown
While the FAA has since lifted the airspace restrictions, the logistical backlog remains a significant hurdle. Major carriers—including American, Delta, United, and Southwest—are scrambling to normalize operations.
Airlines have announced efforts to add extra capacity and flights to clear the bottleneck of stranded passengers.
The timing of the airspace closure could not have been worse for the airline industry, which was already navigating peak holiday traffic. Travelers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport as schedules slowly return to normal.
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