Venezuela Attack: Philly Travelers Stranded – NBC10 Updates

Caribbean Airspace Reopens After U.S. ⁢Military Action Near⁤ Venezuela Disrupts Travel

A swift U.S. military operation near Venezuela⁣ triggered​ a temporary but meaningful shutdown of portions of Caribbean airspace on Saturday, leaving travelers‍ – including⁢ many from ⁢the Philadelphia area – ‍stranded. The Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) issued an emergency⁤ order impacting flights‍ across the region amid escalating international tensions. While disruptions were widespread, officials announced airspace would reopen at ⁣midnight Sunday, offering relief to those affected.

Flight‍ Cancellations and Disruptions

Hundreds of flights nationwide were canceled, with ⁢Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) experiencing 29 cancellations​ on Saturday. ⁤A significant ​majority – 27 flights – were to or from destinations ⁤directly impacted by the no-fly zone. These included popular⁣ vacation spots like:

* ‍ ‍San Juan, Puerto Rico
* Aruba
* ⁣ Cancun, Mexico
* Barbados
* St. Thomas ‌and​ st. Lucia
* ​ st.⁤ Maarten

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy⁤ confirmed the reopening via ⁣social‌ media, advising passengers to coordinate directly ‌with ⁣their ⁣airlines for updated schedules.

UPDATE: The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at ⁣12:00am ET and flights can resume.

Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly. Please‍ continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions. https://t.co/5Cv46Xnjy4

– Secretary ‍Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/2007655714853142970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Travelers stranded and⁢ Anxious

The sudden airspace closure left many vacationers scrambling to adjust their ⁢travel plans. Nancy Colbert of Downingtown,PA,and her husband found⁤ themselves unexpectedly extending their Aruba getaway. “We were supposed to ⁢fly out at 3:40,” Colbert explained. “Our biggest thing is we don’t know when we’re going to get home, and that’s the ‍problem.”

The situation ‍was equally challenging for Noah Kilshaw, a Philadelphia ‍resident ⁣stuck in Puerto Rico. He described ⁣a frantic search⁤ for alternative ​flights and a palpable sense of unease ⁢on⁤ the island. “the island has ​definitely been on edge,”‌ kilshaw said. “There’s been increased⁤ police presence ‌and patrols off shore, and you can definitely sense a bit of‍ tension and anxiety in the air just walking around.”

What‌ You Need to Know

If you are scheduled to travel to ⁤or from ⁤the Caribbean, it’s crucial to ‍stay informed.⁢ Airlines are warning that residual delays and‍ cancellations are possible in ⁤the coming days. Here’s‌ what you should ⁢do:

* Check your flight status frequently. Use‌ your airline’s website or⁢ app for the most up-to-date data.
* Contact your airline directly. if your ⁤flight is canceled or significantly delayed, reach out to your airline for rebooking options.
* Monitor news and official updates. Stay ⁢informed ⁤about the evolving situation thru reputable news ‌sources⁤ and official government announcements.
* Be prepared for potential ⁢disruptions. ⁣Pack essentials in your carry-on bag in case of unexpected delays.

Broader ⁢Implications

The U.S.​ military action near Venezuela has sparked reactions globally, including within the Venezuelan-American community in ⁤the Philadelphia region. NBC10’s Siobhan McGirl is reporting on the local impact of these international events. We will continue to ⁣provide updates‌ as the situation develops.