US airlines cancel flights after US operation in Venezuela

Several major US airlines cancelled hundreds of flights on Saturday in the wake of the US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. The cancellations came after the closure of parts of airspace in the Caribbean by US authorities.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways began cancelling flights in the early hours of the morning in accordance with the decision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The latter announced that the airspace was closed 'due to flight safety risks associated with ongoing military activity'.

The FAA declined to comment further on the situation. However, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that the airspace restrictions would be lifted in an "appropriate manner" when the situation permits.

The airlines also announced that they would allow passengers affected by the closures to change flight dates without charge. JetBlue said it will waive fees for changing or cancelling flights scheduled for January 3 and 4, 2026.

While U.S. airlines have proceeded with the cancellations, Canadian airline Air Canada said its flights to the Caribbean and South America are continuing "as normal" for the time being, in accordance with instructions from Canadian authorities. However, in its own words, it continues to monitor the situation closely.

(reuters, luc)