The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the reopening of Caribbean airspace to U.S. carriers, effective from midnight Eastern Time on January 4, 2024. This decision allows airlines to restart services to numerous airports in the region following an emergency Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued earlier due to a significant U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
The emergency NOTAM came into effect at 06:00 on January 3, coinciding with a military mission involving approximately 150 U.S. military aircraft aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This operation prompted the temporary closure of Caribbean airspace, primarily to ensure safety following several near-miss incidents in the weeks prior. These incidents heightened concerns about potential midair collisions, particularly after a serious accident involving an American Eagle flight and a U.S. Army helicopter last year.
Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, confirmed via social media that the airspace restrictions will expire at midnight, allowing airlines to resume their schedules. He advised passengers to communicate with their respective airlines for updates regarding affected flights.
Airlines Prepare to Resume Operations
In light of the FAA’s announcement, major U.S. airlines are preparing to reinstate their Caribbean routes. JetBlue and Delta Air Lines, which experienced significant disruptions, are among those set to return to normal operations. On January 3, JetBlue canceled over 200 flights, while Delta scrapped more than 100 services.
JetBlue indicated it plans to resume standard operations on January 4 and may add additional flights to specific routes as needed. The airline’s operations at 15 Caribbean airports were impacted, whereas American Airlines faced disruptions at 19 destinations in the region. Delta also intends to operate its regular Caribbean schedule on Sunday, with possible adjustments as resources are repositioned.
United Airlines is similarly expected to operate its typical schedule on January 4, ready to increase frequencies on routes when necessary.
Impact of Airspace Closure on Passengers
The airspace shutdown, occurring during the busy post-New Year weekend, left many travelers stranded. The Caribbean is a popular destination at this time of year for those seeking to escape winter conditions in their home countries.
The most affected airport was San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico, which reported around 400 flight cancellations on January 3. Other significantly impacted airports included Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba, each experiencing around 100 cancellations. In the U.S., Miami International Airport (MIA), a key hub for Caribbean flights, recorded over 100 cancellations and more than 400 flight delays.
The reopening of airspace is a relief for many travelers who have faced uncertainty and inconvenience due to the flight cancellations. With airlines set to resume operations, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight statuses as the situation evolves.
