Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace closure strands tens of thousands of travelers

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. military strikes on Venezuela led to significant disruptions in air travel across the Eastern Caribbean, resulting in flight cancellations and delays for thousands of travelers [1][2][11]. Group 1: Impact on Airlines and Travel - Airlines faced substantial operational challenges, with hundreds of flights canceled due to the FAA's airspace restrictions following the U.S. strikes [2][11]. - On Sunday, airlines managed to reduce cancellations to about 20 in San Juan, down from 400 the previous day, but many travelers still faced difficulties in securing seats due to high demand [3][11]. - American Airlines added 17 extra flights to various destinations, while Southwest Airlines and other carriers also increased their flight offerings to accommodate stranded passengers [6][8]. Group 2: Passenger Experience - Many travelers reported being unable to find available seats back to the U.S. until the end of the week, leading to complaints about accommodation issues and the inability to afford extended stays in Caribbean hotels [4][8]. - Airlines waived change fees and fare differences for affected customers, allowing them to rebook flights later in the month [8]. Group 3: Broader Context - The U.S. attack resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who faces serious charges, highlighting the geopolitical implications of the military action [10]. - The incident underscores how military actions can rapidly disrupt civilian air travel, as seen in previous conflicts affecting airline operations globally [11].