Archive · 5 Jan 2026
US Lifts Caribbean Airspace Curbs After Venezuela Attack
The United States has lifted restrictions on flights in the Caribbean after an attack on Venezuela.
These restrictions were put in place because of safety concerns due to military activity.
Major airlines like United, Delta, and JetBlue had to cancel many flights, but they are now preparing to resume services.
The US attack targeted Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, and US President Donald Trump said that American forces might be deployed to control the situation.
Meanwhile, about a dozen oil tankers left Venezuela in dark mode, which could help Venezuela's state-run oil company.
The future of foreign companies' claims on Venezuelan oil is uncertain due to the US intervention.
Airlines are working to get back to normal, but it will take a few days to help all the passengers who were stranded.
US lifts Caribbean airspace curbs effective midnight ET (0500 GMT) after an attack on Venezuela.
Major airlines including United, Delta, and JetBlue cancel hundreds of flights due to safety concerns.
About a dozen oil tankers depart Venezuela in dark mode, potentially breaking a US blockade.
Venezuela's interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, needs oil revenue to finance spending and secure domestic stability.
Foreign companies, including Chinese and Russian firms, have significant claims on Venezuelan oil, but their future is uncertain due to US intervention.
- Who
- US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Airlines (United, Delta, American, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit), US President Donald Trump, TankerTrackers.com, Venezuelan authorities, Foreign companies (China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Roszarubezhneft, China National Petroleum Corp., ONGC Videsh Ltd., Indian Oil Corp.)
- What
- US lifts Caribbean airspace curbs after attack on Venezuela, Tankers depart Venezuela in dark mode, Future of foreign oil claims in doubt
- When
- Curbs expire at midnight ET (0500 GMT), Recent days for tanker departures
- Where
- Caribbean airspace, Venezuela's waters, Margarita Island
- Why
- Safety risks due to military activity, US intervention in Venezuela, Need for revenue by Venezuela's interim government
- Action
- US lifts Caribbean airspace curbs
- Effective Time
- Midnight ET (0500 GMT)
- Airlines Affected
- United, Delta, American, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit
- Flights Cancelled by JetBlue
- 215
- Reason for Closure
- Safety risks due to military activity
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Target of Attack
- Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro
- US Response
- Deployment of US forces if necessary
- Tankers Departed
- About a dozen
- Tankers Mode
- Dark mode
- Venezuela's Main Revenue Source
- Oil exports
- Interim Government Leader
- Delcy Rodriguez
- Foreign Companies with Claims
- China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Roszarubezhneft, China National Petroleum Corp., ONGC Videsh Ltd., Indian Oil Corp.
