Caribbean travel impacted after U.S. actions in Venezuela
Local travel agents say the biggest impact has been felt in cruise sailings and flights
The following article appeared in the Jan. 7, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Cruises, vacations impacted during Caribbean’s busiest tourist season amid political unrest in Venezuela
by Lindsey Banks
For travelers planning Caribbean getaways this winter, political upheaval in Venezuela has created ripple effects across the region, from airport terminals to cruise ship ports.
Following the U.S. government’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which led to increased military activity, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily restricted U.S. airlines from flying through Caribbean airspace. The FAA has since lifted the ban, but the brief shutdown triggered flight cancellations and delays, stranding thousands of passengers and complicating cruise departures during the Caribbean’s busiest travel season.
Travel agents in the Charlotte area say they have been closely monitoring the situation.