U.S. airlines moved on Sunday to restore service across the Caribbean after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela prompted widespread airspace restrictions that disrupted travel and left thousands of vacationers stranded.
American Airlines Group (AAL) said it expanded capacity by nearly 5,000 seats as flights resumed, deploying larger aircraft and scheduling more than 20 additional departures beyond its regular timetable. Delta Air Lines (DAL) also adjusted its operations, flying larger planes on select routes and adding three extra round trips to the region on Sunday.
The disruption followed a sweeping U.S. military incursion into Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary restrictions on portions of Caribbean airspace, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights. Those limitations were lifted early Sunday, clearing the way for carriers to resume service.
Popular leisure destinations including Barbados, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago experienced extensive cancellations on Saturday, underscoring how quickly geopolitical developments can cascade into the commercial aviation system.
United Airlines Holdings (UAL) said it expects to operate most of its planned Sunday flights to the Caribbean and is adding 14 additional services to help accommodate displaced travelers.
Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways (JBLU) said it anticipates a return to normal operations while continuing to rebook passengers and schedule supplemental flights where feasible. The airline previously disclosed that it had canceled roughly 215 flights on Saturday because of the airspace shutdown.
Despite the restart, airlines cautioned that some customers could still face delays as crews and aircraft are repositioned following the sudden halt in operations.