The United States has lifted flight restrictions that had been imposed following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
This ban, which affected commercial air travel, officially expired at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time, allowing airlines to resume normal schedules.
“The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00 a.m. ET and flights can resume,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed the update on X.
Additionally, he confirmed that airlines have been informed and will update their schedules promptly, urging travelers to coordinate directly with their carriers if their flights were impacted.
The restrictions were put in place after U.S. forces conducted a pre-dawn operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The military action included targeted air strikes in and around Caracas.
Secretary Duffy emphasized that all affected passengers should work closely with their airlines to address any disruptions caused by the temporary ban.
Airlines have begun notifying travelers of schedule changes and resuming flights previously delayed or rerouted.
Caribbean flights canceled as airspace closed near Venezuela
Dozens of flights were canceled at Caribbean destinations because the FAA closed airspace as the U.S. took action against the country and seized President Nicolás Maduro.
The delays and cancellations are also affecting the airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
“In support of the Department of War, the FAA restricted the airspace in the Caribbean and Venezuela to ensure the safety of the flying public,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
“When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted.” American Airlines says the airspace shutdown is affecting flights to 19 destinations in the Eastern Caribbean, including Aruba; Curaçao; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Trinidad and Tobago.
Also Read: Explosions Reported Near Caracas Amid Rising Tensions Between Trump and Venezuela
Passengers crowded the terminal at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico after flights were canceled following the U.S. military action in Venezuela.
“American Airlines is aware of the airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean that were issued in the middle of the night and is closely monitoring the situation with the FAA,” the carrier said in a statement.
“We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind.”
U.S. military operation in Venezuela
U.S. special forces carried out a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Also Read: Trump Announces Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro
The mission included pre-dawn air strikes targeting multiple sites in and around Caracas.
Following the operation, Maduro and his wife were flown to New York City to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges.
This operation took place late on January 3, 2026, during the early hours of the morning. Key targets were located in and around the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, before the transfer to the United States.
The U.S. conducted the operation to apprehend Maduro on charges of drug trafficking and illegal possession of weapons, citing national security and law enforcement objectives.
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