Faa Lifts USVI Airspace Restrictions
The FAA has cleared the temporary airspace restrictions that briefly closed portions of airspace over Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, allowing Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen airports to reopen and inter-island service to resume. VIPA said seaports are also open and travellers should confirm flight times with carriers as some schedules may have been adjusted.
The Federal Aviation Administration has lifted the Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) that imposed temporary flight restrictions over Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) said. Croix have fully reopened and normal airport operations are underway.
VIPA reported that inter-island service restarted this morning. Fly the Whale and Cape Air resumed flights between St. Thomas at 7:00 a.m., and commercial carriers operating routes between the mainland United States and the U.S. Travellers are advised to confirm schedules directly with their airlines before travelling, as some flights may have been adjusted during the disruption.
All seaports in the territory are open and operating normally, VIPA added, marking an end to the precautionary measures that briefly disrupted regional travel. The NOTAMs were implemented by the FAA in coordination with the Department of Defense, which the agency said were for "special security reasons" including elevated military activity and risks to U.S. assets.
According to the report that prompted the measures, the actions followed news of U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro; those details have been attributed to the original reporting and are being handled by national authorities.
For residents of the British Virgin Islands, the reopening of USVI airports and seaports is likely to restore routine travel and supply links that many in the Territory rely on for connections to the U.S. mainland, medical appointments, cargo and tourism. Croix as gateways should double-check connecting itineraries, ferry schedules and any charter services, and allow extra time at airports while carriers recover normal operations.
Airlines suspended or rerouted flights during the restriction period; passengers who experienced disruption should contact their carrier for rebooking or refunds. VIPA and the FAA continue to be the primary sources for updates on airspace status. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor official announcements from their airlines, VIPA and the FAA before travelling.
This development restores regional movement after a brief security-related pause, but authorities and travellers alike remain alert to changes in the evolving situation.
Primary source: VINO