DALLAS — A Texas state representative from North Texas says he’s stuck in St. Maarten Saturday after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily restricted airspace in parts of the Caribbean because of a “security situation related to military activity” in Venezuela.
Texas State Rep. Venton Jones, D-Dallas, said in posts on X, formerly Twitter, that he was supposed to leave the Caribbean island Saturday, but his flight was grounded.
“I wanted to let you all know that Gregory and I are ok. We were suppose to leave St. Maarten today, but due to the air strike that the President ordered overnight, all travel to/from the Caribbean is grounded. Right now we are working on lodging with an expectation of being here until air travel is allowed. Thats what we know right now. Prayers for our quick and safe return home are requested,” Jones wrote in the post.
In a follow-up post, Jones said he expects the operation to impact travel “for at least a week.”
“Sending thoughts to the families stranded across the Caribbean right now. With flights and hotels already at capacity for the busy season, this travel ban is going to cause major delays for at least a week. We’re grounded in St. Maarten for now, waiting on the FAA for updates. Hope everyone gets home soon,” Jones added.
Jones’ statements came as the Associated Press reported that major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean region following the military operation and warned that the travel impacts could continue for days.
“Early this morning in support of the Department of War, the FAA restricted the airspace in the Caribbean and Venezuela to ensure the SAFETY of the flying public. When appropriate, these airspace restrictions will be lifted. Please work with your airlines directly if your flight has been impacted,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a post on X.
As the Associated Press reports, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken from their home and first placed on board a U.S. warship to be taken to the U.S. for prosecution in connection with an indictment from the Justice Department accusing them of participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. A plane believed to be carrying them landed in New York Saturday evening.
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