South Florida Travelers Hit With Caribbean Flight Cancellations Amid Airspace Shutdown

January 3, 2026

If you’re flying to or from the Caribbean this weekend, your travel plans may hit turbulence. A sudden closure of airspace near Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean has triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations, with ripple effects reaching Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency notice early Saturday restricting U.S. carriers from flying near Venezuela and surrounding Caribbean airspace following U.S. military action against the country. The move, aimed at protecting passenger safety, has forced airlines to ground or reroute dozens of flights.

“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.”

As of noon Saturday, Miami International Airport reported 157 delays and 56 cancellations, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport listed 155 delays and 58 cancellations, according to FlightAware. Airport officials confirmed that some flights at MIA are being affected and urged travelers to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport. JetBlue, a major carrier at FLL, told CNBC it canceled more than 200 flights to Caribbean destinations, though service to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica remains unaffected. Major U.S. airlines do not currently serve Venezuela directly.

American Airlines says the airspace shutdown is disrupting flights to 19 destinations across the Eastern Caribbean, many of which are popular routes for South Florida travelers. Affected destinations include Aruba, Curaçao, San Juan, St. Thomas, Trinidad and Tobago, and several islands throughout the Lesser Antilles.

“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 airline 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.”

The airline also noted that some passengers may be eligible for change fee waivers due to the disruptions.

Scenes of frustration unfolded across the region, including at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico, where passengers crowded terminals after flights were abruptly canceled.

Destinations Currently Affected

According to American Airlines, flights to and from the following locations are impacted:

Anguilla (AXA)
Antigua (ANU)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD)
Aruba (AUA)
British Virgin Islands (EIS)
Bonaire (BON)
Barbados (BGI)
Curaçao (CUR)
Martinique (FDF)
Grenada (GND)
Dominica (DOM)
Guadeloupe (PTP)
Trinidad and Tobago (POS)
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
St. Croix (STX)
St. Kitts and Nevis (SKB)
St. Lucia (UVF)
St. Maarten (SXM)
St. Thomas (STT)

How to Check Your Flight Status

Miami International Airport (MIA):
MIA offers two online flight trackers. One shows all arrivals and departures with real-time updates, including terminal, concourse, and baggage claim information. Another allows travelers to search by flight number and airline for quicker results.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL):
FLL’s flight tracker lets users search by flight number or route and also provides a full list of arrivals and departures, including terminal and baggage claim details.

Travelers are encouraged to also check their airline’s mobile app or website for the most up-to-date information.

What’s Next?

There is no immediate timeline for when the restricted airspace will reopen. The FAA says the closures will remain in place until conditions are deemed safe.

For South Florida travelers heading to or from the Caribbean, flexibility is key. Expect continued delays, monitor your flight closely, and confirm your status before leaving for the airport.

Written by: MJ