Flight Cancellations in Puerto Rico Prompt Emergency Plan for Stranded Visitors Amid Venezuela Situation
What’s happening? The Government activated a contingency plan in response to airspace restrictions for U.S. flag carriers imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The plan includes activating the Convention Center in Miramar and several hotel ballrooms to receive tourists whose flights have been canceled. There is space for 1,160 people, officials reported.
- In addition to the Convention Center, tourists can go to the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Royal Sonesta San Juan Hotel (in Isla Verde), and the Sheraton Hotel in the Convention District in Miramar.
- Free transportation will also be provided from Luis Muñoz Marín Airport to the Government-designated locations, said Tourism Company (CTPR) Executive Director Willianette Robles.
Robles recommended that tourists stay in contact with their airlines to check their flight status and when they will be able to travel.
“From the very first moment, the Tourism Company has been proactively coordinating between the aviation, maritime, and lodging sectors under a mitigation management framework, in order to address this situation in a responsible and orderly manner.”
–Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company
What can you do if you’re a visitor affected by the airspace closure?
- Contact your airline to check your flight status and when you might be able to fly again.
- You can call the emergency hotline for tourists and visitors in Puerto Rico at: 1-800-981-7575. They can help you if you need assistance, relocation, and more. Available in English and Spanish.
- Go to the Convention Center or other hotels activated by the CTPR as part of their contingency plan. There, they can tell you where to relocate.
Affected Cruise Ships
At least three cruise ships docked Saturday morning at ports in San Juan Bay:
- Jewel of the Seas by Royal Caribbean: capacity for 2,707 people
- Valiant Lady by Virgin: capacity for 2,770 passengers
- Azzura by Emerald Cruises: capacity for 100 people
The CTPR director said 2,100 cruise passengers were affected by flight cancellations, but half were relocated to hotels. They remain in communication with cruise lines to address any needs that arise.
Sunday arrivals: The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic and Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, with a combined capacity of 6,700 passengers, as well as the Brilliance of the Seas and the Ritz-Carlton Ilma are scheduled to arrive at San Juan Bay on Sunday, January 4.
At this time, the San Juan Cruise Port reported that operations continue as normal, but urged passengers to stay alert to official communications from cruise lines regarding any changes.
What Has Been Canceled
Airspace restricted: Puerto Rico’s airspace was temporarily restricted at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3. Jorge Hernández, President and CEO of Aerostar, the company that manages Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, said at a press conference that the restriction only applies to U.S. airlines and expires at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 4.
Canceled flights: On January 3, over 400 flight operations were impacted in San Juan (SJU), affecting 48,000 passengers, according to statements by Hernández during the press conference.
- At regional airports in Aguadilla and Ponce, about 700 passengers were affected, as well as local flights from Ceiba and San Juan to the island municipalities and Mayagüez, added Norberto Negrón Díaz, Executive Director of the Ports Authority.
- Although the restriction was for U.S. flights, international airlines such as Avianca and Iberia also canceled flights, Hernández confirmed.
What’s still operating
Airlines still operating from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) are: Copa Airlines, Air Canada, and Caribbean Airlines.
