Business As Usual For Bonaire

As of January 7th, air travel from the US to Bonaire is fully operational!

On January 3, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency Notice to Air Missions, preventing U.S. airlines from entering Venezuelan airspace or the Caribbean Corridor for 24 hours. Unfortunately, global politics affect everything, including our vacations. Luckily, however, it has been a quick return to normal for Bonaire. Sometimes air travel can be stressful, but here at Bonaire pros we are always paying attention and here to help.

JetBlue had about 15 Caribbean destinations affected by the recent airspace closure and moved quickly to put a waiver in place. The airline issued a flexible travel policy covering flights scheduled for January 3–4, allowing customers to rebook through January 10 with all change and cancellation fees waived and no fare differences. JetBlue also said it is “working to rebook customers on available flights and, where possible, by adding extra flights” as service returns to normal (JetBlue Airways, 01/7/26).

United Airlines issued a travel waiver for 13 Caribbean airports that were affected. Late on January 4, United began preparing to resume service, starting with flights to San Juan that evening and most scheduled Caribbean flights returning on January 4. The airline said it is adding extra flights to help rebook disrupted travelers and allows affected customers to rebook through January 13, 2026, on United or United Express. (United Airlines, 01/07/26)

American Airlines also rolled out a travel waiver. Their policy covers flights scheduled for January 3–4, with tickets issued on or before January 2. They are allowing customers to rebook travel between January 2 and January 9 without penalty from 19 affected locations. American is also bending its rules about changes to connection cities and co-terminals. On Sunday, American also deployed a Boeing 777, the largest aircraft in it’s fleet, to the Caribbean to support recovery efforts. (American Airlines, 01/7/26).

Delta’s travel waiver includes 13 Caribbean airports, with flexibility for travel between January 3 and 6. Customers can rebook flights through January 9 in the same cabin with fare differences waived, and those unable to reschedule can cancel and apply the ticket value toward future travel within one year (Delta Air Lines, 01/7/26).

It’s a small world, and crazy things happen, but we are happy to report that air travel shouldn’t see another interruption like this. According to the U.S. Consulate, “Following the overnight U.S. military and law enforcement operation in Venezuela, the U.S. Consulate General Curaçao confirms no military activity has been reported in Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao (the ABCs). At present, there is no credible threat to the ABC islands” (U.S. Consulate Curaçao, 01/3/26).

Dutch caretaker and Prime Minister Dick Schoof also posted on X, stating, “The cabinet is closely monitoring developments in the Caribbean and the situation in Venezuela following the US attacks. Regional security is of paramount importance to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire. We remain in close contact, and I have informed Prime Ministers Eman and Pisas, and Governor Soliano, that they and the people on the islands can count on our support during these uncertain times.”(Schoof, 01/3/26).

Stick with the Pros and stay up to date on the latest stories and developments around the island we love.