US Lifts Caribbean Airspace Restrictions After Venezuela Strike

The United States has lifted temporary airspace restrictions over the Caribbean following a suspension of commercial flights during a military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the restrictions expired at 12:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), allowing commercial flights to resume normal operations.

“Airlines are informed and will update their schedules quickly,” Duffy said.

Maduro and his wife were earlier taken by helicopter to New York City, where they are expected to face drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.

U.S. special forces apprehended the pair in a pre-dawn operation that involved air strikes on multiple targets in and around Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

Earlier on Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had advised commercial airlines to avoid Caribbean airspace, warning of a “potentially hazardous situation.” 

The FAA said the closure was necessary due to “safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity.”