Faa airspace restrictions disrupt BVI flights as
The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) has warned that flight operations to and from the Virgin Islands may be disrupted after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary NOTAM on January 3, 2025, limiting U.S.-registered aircraft operations near Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean. An update from the BVIAA on January 5 (reported by Virgin Islands News Online) said most departures from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport were affected by air traffic flow restrictions from the San Juan Area Control Centre and congestion in San Juan and Miami airspace, with some flights held on the ground while passengers remained onboard.
The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) issued an advisory after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily restricted parts of Caribbean airspace and issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Saturday, January 3, 2025. The FAA action affects U.S.-registered aircraft and U.S.-based carriers operating in the region and specifically prohibits U.S.-registered aircraft from flying in Venezuelan airspace while imposing related routing restrictions that could affect travel to and from the Virgin Islands (reported by BVI News and Virgin Islands News Online).
An emergency FAA notice issued around 1 a.m. on January 3 said the temporary prohibition was prompted by reports of "military activity" in Caracas and cited potential flight risks in the region, according to reporting by BVI News. The move was described as intended to mitigate risks to U.S. carriers operating near Venezuela and in parts of the Caribbean, and airlines have adjusted schedules, rerouted or grounded aircraft to comply with the FAA instructions.
Initial impacts were felt quickly: BVI News reported that U.S. airlines had cancelled dozens of flights to airports in Puerto Rico as carriers responded to the NOTAM. The BVIAA emphasised that these restrictions are outside its direct control and are being managed by the affected airlines in line with regulatory requirements, advising travellers to contact their carriers for the latest information.
On January 5 the BVIAA provided further detail in a notice reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), saying the delays resulted primarily from air traffic flow restrictions emanating from the San Juan Area Control Centre, compounded by ongoing congestion in both the San Juan and Miami airspace.
As a result, most departing flights from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport were affected, and Antigua and St. Maarten airspace also experienced related disruptions (BVIAA notice via VINO). The BVIAA said that in some instances aircraft were held on the ground for extended periods with passengers remaining onboard, and that operational decisions taken by the pilot-in-command of affected aircraft also contributed to delays.
The authority reminded the public that pilot-in-command decisions fall under the airline and captain’s authority and that the safety and security of passengers and crew are always paramount (BVIAA, VINO). The BVIAA also explained why the Authority cannot directly control these measures: the Virgin Islands’ airspace is limited to a five nautical mile lateral radius and extends vertically up to, but not including, 3,500 feet.
Beyond those limits, air traffic control services are provided by the San Juan Area Control Centre, and coordination for adjacent airports and regional airspace is routed through San Juan, meaning local operations must comply with restrictions imposed in those control zones (BVIAA, VINO).
For residents and visitors the practical effects include disrupted connections through hubs such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the U.S. mainland, longer travel times, and potential knock-on impacts to cargo and supply chains that rely on U.S.-registered carriers. The BVIAA said it regrets the inconvenience, is working closely with airline partners and regional aviation authorities to minimise disruption, and will provide updates as more information becomes available (BVIAA).
Passengers are advised to stay in direct contact with their airlines or travel agents, check airline apps and BVIAA communications before travelling, allow extra time for connections, and ask carriers about rebooking, accommodation or ground transport if stranded. It remains unclear how long the FAA restrictions will last; travellers should follow official airline and aviation authority messages for the most current guidance (BVI News; VINO).
Primary source: VINO