Over 300 flights canceled as Puerto Rico air travel is suspended

Commercial air travel to and from Puerto Rico was disrupted on Saturday, January 3, following federal authorities. Temporary restriction of US airline operations at many airports in the Caribbean, citing relevant security concerns Military activity increases in Venezuela.

The pause includes Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), the Caribbean’s busiest hub, as well as airports in Ceiba, Aguadilla, Ponce, Isla Grande, Vieques and Culebra. Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Norberto Negrón Díaz.

At the direction of the Federal Aviation Administration, commercial passenger and cargo operations are suspended until 1 a.m. Sunday, January 4, for the potential for extension.

How many flights were canceled from Puerto Rico?

According to the flight tracking site, more than 300 flights departing and arriving at the island were canceled as of noon on January 3. FlightAware.

Aerostar Airport Holdings, which manages SJU, said the temporary airspace restriction was “A security situation regarding military activities in VenezuelaThe operator warned that most flights operated by U.S. airlines to and from San Juan were suspended or may be canceled, but flights by foreign airlines and military aircraft were not affected. The company urged passengers to check flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González called the closure a national security measure during a radio interview, the local news outlet reported. El Nuevo Día. Local agencies are coordinating with federal partners to manage airport and cargo operations, he added.

Travel exemptions

As airspace restrictions disrupt flights to and from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean destinations, many U.S. airlines have implemented fee waivers and flexible rebooking options. Here’s what travelers need to know:

• American Airlines: Booking by January 2nd and arriving between January 3-4, 2026 in San Juan (SJU), Aruba (AUA), Antigua (ANU), St. Thomas (STT), St. Change fees are waived for customers scheduled to travel to affected destinations, including St. Maarten (SXM) and more. Travel can be rebooked until 9 January, provided the origin and destination remain the same and the ticket is re-issued by 4 January.

• JetBlue: Between January 3-4, San Juan (SJU), Aguadilla (BQN), Ponce (PSE), Aruba (AUA), Curaçao (CUR) and St. Customers traveling to or from affected airports, including St. Lucia (UVF), can change or cancel their flights without any fee or fare difference. Rebookings are allowed until January 10, and refunds can be given for canceled flights if booked before January 3.

• Southwest Airlines: There may be disruptions in flights planned to Aruba (AUA), Punta Cana (PUJ) and San Juan (SJU) on Saturday, January 3. Customers can rebook or reserve travel within 14 days without paying the difference in fare. Refunds may be available for flights that are canceled or significantly delayed.

• United Airlines: United will be available for purchases by January 2nd and transfers between January 4th and 6th, 2026 in San Juan (SJU), Antigua (ANU), Aruba (AUA) and St. Louis. Waiving change fees and fare differences for eligible tickets scheduled to or from destinations including St. Thomas (STT). The new trip must take place between January 6 and January 13.

• Border Airlines: January 3-4 in San Juan (SJU), Ponce (PSE), Aguadilla (BQN), Aruba (AUA) and St. There are no change or cancellation fees for flights arriving or departing from St. Maarten (SXM). Fare differences may still apply and canceled trips will be converted to travel credit.

• Spirit Airlines: Between January 3-4, San Juan (SJU), Aruba (AUA), St. Croix (STX), St. Thomas (STT) and St. Change fees and fare differences for flights arriving or departing from St. Maarten (SXM) are waived and rebookings are allowed until January 11.

Airlines advise passengers to closely monitor flight status and manage any changes directly through their carrier.

Contributor: Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Why were flights to and from Puerto Rico suddenly suspended?