The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily restricted the airspace covering Puerto Rico, according to a statement from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) today, Saturday, January 3, 2026. Photo: Ramon 'Tonito' Zayas

Several U.S commercial flights to and from Puerto Rico have been cancelled on Saturday, January 3, 2025. Photo: Provided

All flights involving U.S.-registered aircraft are cancelled at the Princess Julianna International Airport in Sint Maarten. Photo: Internet Source

The restriction comes following military activity in Venezuela, SJU confirmed, adding that it is not “associated with any situation at the airport nor directly related to Puerto Rico”. 

The United States’ Delta Force captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia A. Flores de Maduro in the early hours of Saturday. 

Impacts

SJU said as a result of this federal directive, most commercial flights to and from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport operated by U.S. airlines are suspended or may be temporarily cancelled; foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included in this restriction, in accordance with FAA authorisations; and the measure has an initial duration of approximately 24 hours, subject to review and possible extensions by federal authorities.

“Passengers are encouraged to check directly with their airline for the status of their flight before travelling to the airport and to stay informed only through official channels,” the statement added. 

SJU said it remains in constant communication with federal aviation authorities and will continue to provide timely updates as official information becomes available.

Regional impacts

The FAA also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) barring any US-registered planes from flying in Venezuelan airspace. 

Airports in neighbouring states to Venezuela- Colombia, Brazil and Guyana- are on heightened alert. 

Princess Julianna International Airport in Sint Maarten, in a statement, said due to the NOTAM, all flights involving U.S.-registered aircraft are cancelled.

“As a result, all U.S.-registered flight operations in SXM and the surrounding region are currently shut down. This notice is in effect for a minimum of 24 hours and may be extended,” the notice added. 

It added that non-U.S.-registered aircraft are not automatically included in this cancellation and will make independent operational decisions; however, additional cancellations are expected, particularly near Venezuelan airspace.

“Regional airlines are also likely to scale back or cancel service, including WINAIR, SXM Airways, St. Barth Commuter, and Tradewind Aviation.”

Meanwhile, Caribbean Airlines, in a statement, said, “Caribbean Airlines advises that there are no disruptions to its services today, Saturday 3 January 2026, following reports of military strikes by the United States against Venezuela, and operations are continuing as scheduled.”