01/05/2026
With the recent U.S. military strike on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, the Caribbean region is experiencing disruptions. Although Venezuela itself is not a primary tourist destination, its geographical location is impacting air travel to the Caribbean, resulting in delayed and canceled flights at numerous airports. Due to its proximity to several Caribbean islands, particularly the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, Caribbean airspace has been affected, prompting the FAA to close airspace.
American Airlines has reported that the airspace shutdown is affecting flights to 19 destinations. Delta has begun canceling flights in the Caribbean, while KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is reassessing flights to and from Curaçao and other regional island destinations. United Airlines has confirmed that multiple Caribbean airports are impacted by the airspace closure. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Venezuela and has urged Americans in the country to 'shelter in place' due to the situation. The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to exercise normal precautions when traveling to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. For travelers from Canada, current guidance also recommends normal security precautions when visiting these islands. Standard travel recommendations include enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), following the U.S. Department of State on social media, reviewing the Country Security Report, preparing a contingency plan, and visiting the CDC website for travel health information. This is a developing situation, and information is being released rapidly.
We are committed to supporting our clients throughout their journey, prioritizing their health, safety, and well-being. Travel advisors are trained to monitor situations that may impact travel, including health developments, travel advisories, airline operations, and weather disruptions. When necessary, we can quickly develop alternative travel arrangements, often having solutions ready as situations evolve. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, our commitment remains the same: prioritizing our clients' safety and peace of mind. We strongly encourage all clients to purchase travel insurance at the time of booking, as it provides an important layer of protection and may help offset unexpected costs. Safety-driven flight changes and itinerary adjustments are common and precautionary in global travel. We closely monitor communications from airline and travel supplier partners and will proactively keep clients informed of any updates. We recognize that each client's comfort level with travel is personal, and as advisors, we are here to support and guide clients in making informed decisions about their travel plans.