Core Viewpoint - Major U.S. airlines canceled hundreds of flights due to airspace closures following a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro [1][3] Group 1: Airline Operations - American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue Airways began canceling flights early on Saturday morning in compliance with FAA airspace closures [1] - The FAA closed the airspace to U.S. carriers due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity [1] - Carriers waived change fees and fare differences for customers affected by the airspace closures if they change their flights to later in the month [2] Group 2: Government and Regulatory Response - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that airspace restrictions will be lifted "when appropriate" [2] - The FAA declined to provide further comments on the situation [2] Group 3: Impact on Other Airlines - Air Canada reported that its operations to the Caribbean and South America are continuing "normally" under guidance from Transport Canada [4] - Commercial air traffic over Venezuelan airspace appeared to stop after the attack, according to flight records on FlightRadar24 [4]
US airlines cancel flights after FAA closes airspace following Venezuela operation
BusinessLine·2026-01-03 22:20