US Military Operation Strands Caribbean Travelers, Airlines Scramble to Add Flights

The recent US military operation has caused significant disruptions for travelers in the Caribbean. Following the operation, the FAA temporarily closed airspace, leaving many tourists stranded as airlines canceled numerous flights.

Flights Canceled Due to Airspace Closure

Many travelers reported headaches from the cancellation of flights across popular Caribbean destinations. For instance, Delta Airlines notified travelers like Julie Hurwitz at 3 a.m. about her flight’s cancellation from St. John to Atlanta. She had just enjoyed a family vacation in the US Virgin Islands.

• Airlines canceled hundreds of flights from destinations such as Aruba and San Juan.
• Delta advised passengers without same-day tickets to refrain from heading to airports.

Travelers Struggling for Solutions

Hurwitz and her group had to seek alternate accommodations while awaiting news on their flights. The uncertainty led to chaotic discussions among travelers, with limited information available.

Kelly and John Maher from Michigan faced a similar fate when trying to board a ferry to Saint Martin. Just as they were set to depart, they learned that their flight had been canceled. “We heard whispers among the crowd that the US military action was the reason,” John Maher shared.

Celebrity Impact

The disruption also affected notable figures, including Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio. The actor missed the Palm Springs International Film Festival due to the airspace closure hindering his travel from St. Barts.

Flight Resumption and Airline Response

By Sunday, flying conditions started improving, with a significant reduction in canceled flights. According to FlightAware, 57% of flights were canceled at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan on Saturday, while only 4% were canceled on Sunday.

• American Airlines is adding nearly 5,000 additional seats across Caribbean routes.
• The airline is utilizing larger aircraft, including the Boeing 777-300, to accommodate displaced travelers.
• Other airlines, like United and Southwest, are also ramping up their flight schedules.

Airlines and airports are actively working to resolve the chaos, ensuring that travelers can return home efficiently amidst this challenging time in the Caribbean.