US Lifts Caribbean Airspace Restrictions After Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro

United States lifted airspace restrictions over the Caribbean late Saturday following a US military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro and his wife were transported by helicopter to New York City, where they now face drug-trafficking and weapons charges. The operation, carried out by US special forces, included pre-dawn airstrikes targeting sites in and around Caracas.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on X that the initial airspace restrictions expired at 12:00 am (0500 GMT), allowing commercial flights to resume. "Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly," he said.

Earlier, the US Federal Aviation Administration had warned airlines to avoid Caribbean airspace, citing a "potentially hazardous situation" and "safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity."