The dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces has sent shockwaves across the Caribbean, leading to significant disruption for British holidaymakers. The incident, which occurred on January 4, 2026, has prompted urgent questions about airspace safety and travel plans for the popular holiday region.
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Disruption
In the immediate aftermath of the military action, major airlines cancelled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean. On Saturday, January 3rd, no commercial airline flights were recorded crossing Venezuelan airspace, according to tracking data from FlightRadar24.com.
The disruption severely impacted islands close to Venezuela, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Aruba. Three Tui aircraft bound for Barbados from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Manchester were forced to turn around mid-Atlantic, leaving passengers stranded.
JetBlue confirmed it cancelled approximately 215 flights due to the airspace closures, while Southwest Airlines suspended services to Puerto Rico. However, flights to destinations further west, such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, were largely unaffected.
Current Status and Passenger Rights
By Sunday, January 4th, US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the initial airspace restrictions were expiring, allowing flights to resume. Airlines have begun updating their schedules, but passengers are advised to check directly with their carrier for the latest information.
If your flight was cancelled, you have specific rights. UK and EU airlines are legally obligated to provide care, including meals, accommodation, and alternative travel arrangements, depending on the length of the delay. Eligibility for this support is based on flight distance: two hours for short-haul, three for medium-haul, and four hours or more for long-haul flights. Passengers should keep all receipts for reasonable expenses to claim back from the airline.
Official Foreign Office Travel Guidance
The UK Foreign Office has issued updated advice following the events. It now advises against all travel to Venezuela. British nationals currently in the country are instructed to shelter in place and be prepared to change plans at short notice.
For the Caribbean, the travel advice for most islands remains unchanged from December 2025, with no blanket advisories against travel except for Haiti due to its volatile security situation. The Foreign Office stresses that this guidance for Haiti is unrelated to the current situation in Venezuela.
The US government has stated its actions target the Maduro regime and associated criminal gangs, which it accuses of facilitating drug trafficking and terrorist violence. The capture has ignited a major international incident, with UN officials previously criticising earlier US strikes as potential "extrajudicial killings."
