Estimated Thousands Stranded in Caribbean After U.S. Raid in Venezuela

An estimated thousands of travelers were stranded across the Caribbean after a U.S. military operation to capture the president of Venezuela prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to close parts of Caribbean airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Major airlines added extra flights and in some cases used larger planes on Sunday and Monday, but the scale of the disruption grounded hundreds of flights and left many passengers waiting days for seats.

The article says travel insurance is unlikely to cover extra expenses in many cases because most plans exclude disruptions related to military activity. The Times recounts several stranded travelers: Susannah Ray and her family were rebooked by JetBlue for Jan. 11 and said they had to miss school and work and spend at least an extra $2,500; she also worried she and her daughter lacked an additional week’s supply of a daily medication.

Charlie Ballard said flights out of Tortola were canceled and he could not fly until Jan. 9, forcing a major increase in his travel budget and struggles to find hotel rooms. Alex Marquardt, whose flight from Aruba was canceled, said members of his group were being rebooked on different days and some remained stuck into the weekend.

By the third straight day after the operation, many travelers remained delayed despite added flights, with substantial extra costs and accommodation shortages reported.

Key Topics

World, Nicolás Maduro, Caribbean, Venezuela, Federal Aviation Administration, Jetblue