The airspace over Venezuela is completely empty after the Federal Aviation Administration deemed flying near the country a safety risk.
As a result, U.S. airlines are canceling flights across parts of the Caribbean.
JetBlue, for example, has updated passengers with a list of 15 airports now experiencing service disruptions, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Aruba.
The cancellations are affecting passengers returning from warm-weather holiday vacations. The restrictions are currently expected to last 24 hours, but it remains unclear whether they will be extended.
Passengers are encouraged to check their flight information as the situation develops. Those who cannot leave can reach out to U.S. embassies for further assistance.
Colombia (U.S. Embassy Bogotá & Venezuela Affairs Unit)
Main Line: +57 (601) 275-2000
Emergency (After-Hours): +57 (601) 275-4021
Guyana (U.S. Embassy Georgetown)
Main Line: +592 225-4900
Emergency (After-Hours): +592 623-1992
Brazil (U.S. Embassy Brasília)
Main Line: +55 (61) 3312-7000
Emergency (After-Hours): +55 (61) 3312-7400
Curaçao (U.S. Consulate General) –
Also serves Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius
Main Line: +599 (9) 461-3066
Emergency (After-Hours): +599 (9) 510-6870
Trinidad & Tobago (U.S. Embassy Port of Spain)
Main Line: +1 (868) 622-6371
Emergency (After-Hours): +1 (868) 622-6371 (Press 1)
Panama (U.S. Embassy Panama City)
Main Line: +507 317-5000
Emergency (After-Hours): +507 317-5000
U.S. Department of State (Washington, D.C.)
Global Emergency Line: +1 202-501-4444
Toll-Free (from U.S./Canada): 1-888-407-4747