The line was set up by the Tourism Company for relocation assistance, general assistance, or any other concerns.
Email set up by the Department of State for visitor assistance: info@estado.pr.gov. Visitors must have completed this Department of State form.
What's happening? The government activated a contingency plan in response to airspace restrictions on U.S. flag carriers imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amid the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. The plan includes activating the Convention Center in Miramar and several hotel ballrooms to accommodate tourists whose flights have been canceled. Space for 1,160 people is available, officials said.
In addition to the Convention Center in San Juan, tourists can go to the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Royal Sonesta San Juan Hotel (in Isla Verde) and the Sheraton hotel in the Distrito de Convenciones, in Miramar.
Free transportation from Aeropuerto Luis Muñoz Marín to the government-designated locations will also be provided, said Willianette Robles, director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (CTPR).
Robles recommended that tourists stay in contact with their airlines to find out the status of their flights and when they will be able to travel.
"From the very beginning, the Tourism Company has been managing proactive coordination among the air, maritime and lodging sectors, within a mitigation management framework, in order to address this situation in a responsible and orderly manner."
Willianette Robles, director of the Tourism Company
At a press conference, Gov. Jenniffer González announced that she signed an executive order to streamline the coordination of resources and agencies, so that "there is a safe roof for tourists for as long as the airspace closure lasts."
What can you do if you are a visitor affected by the airspace closure?
Contact your airline to find out the status of your flight and when you might be able to fly again.
You can call Puerto Rico's tourist and visitor emergency line at: 1-800-981-7575. They can help you if you need assistance, relocation or other services. Available in English and Spanish.
Go to the Convention Center or other hotels activated by the CTPR under its contingency plan. Staff there can tell you where to relocate.
Affected cruise passengers
At least three cruise ships docked Saturday morning at ports in the Bahía de San Juan:
Jewel of the Seas by Royal Caribbean: capacity for 2,707 people
Valliant 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 contact with the cruise lines to address any needs that arise.
Sunday arrivals: The Epic by Norwegian Cruise Line and the Grand Princess by Princess Cruises, 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 the Bahía de San Juan on Sunday, Jan. 4.
As of now, El Puerto de San Juan reported that pier operations are continuing normally, but urged passengers to stay alert to official communications from their cruise lines for any changes.
What we know: what has been canceled
Airspace restricted: Puerto Rico's airspace was temporarily restricted at 2:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Jorge Hernández, president and CEO of Aerostar, the company that manages the Luis Muñoz Marín international airport, said at a press conference that the restriction applies only to U.S. airlines and expires at 1:00 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4.
Flights canceled: On Jan. 3, operations of more than 400 flights in San Juan (SJU) had been affected, impacting 48,000 passengers, according to statements by Hernández at the press conference.
At the regional airports, Aguadilla and Ponce, about 700 passengers were affected, as were local flights from Ceiba and San Juan to the island municipalities and Mayagüez, said Norberto Negrón Díaz, executive director of the Autoridad de Puertos.
Although the restriction applied to U.S. flights, international airlines such as Avianca and Iberia also canceled flights, Hernández confirmed.
What is still operating The airlines still operating out of Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU) are: Copa Airlines, Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
