A surprising travel disruption occurred in the Caribbean this week after a major military operation led by the United States against Venezuela caused widespread chaos in the region’s airspace. Hollywood actress Natalie Portman was among several high-profile figures who found themselves unable to return home as aircraft both commercial and private were grounded across the islands.
The grounding of flights stemmed from a sudden closure of airspace around parts of the Caribbean that included popular holiday destinations such as St. Barts, Anguilla, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued emergency restrictions citing safety concerns related to ongoing military activity tied to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Portman Among Group Unable to Leave
According to reports, Portman was vacationing on the exclusive island of St. Barts when the airspace ban was implemented. Alongside her were other well-known travelers, such as Queen Latifah, Mike Tyson, and model Ming Lee Simmons, who also found themselves “beached” with limited options for returning to the United States. Sources indicate that the closure affected both scheduled airline routes and private jets, stranding thousands of passengers who had planned to fly out after New Year festivities. With flights suspended, many holidaymakers were forced to extend their trips unexpectedly and rebook accommodations. Portman reportedly has multiple professional commitments this week, including appearances related to major awards events. The uncertainty over when flights might resume has raised questions about whether she will be able to make those engagements on time.
Wider Travel Chaos Across the Region
The FAA’s emergency restriction was issued by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as part of safety precautions during the military action. The closure extended over several nations’ air corridors, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and leaving travelers from ordinary tourists to celebrities in limbo. Many passengers have reported that flights scheduled for January 3 were abruptly canceled or diverted. Some travelers tried alternative routes, including taking ferries or private boats to reach nearby islands in hopes of catching flights from less affected airports, but these efforts were largely thwarted by logistical challenges and ongoing closures.
Other High-Profile Figures Affected
Portman was not the only public figure impacted. Leonardo DiCaprio, who was also vacationing in the region, missed the Palm Springs International Film Awards due to the travel disruption. Reports suggest he later managed to return in time for other events, highlighting how the grounding caused varied outcomes for those affected.
Comedian Jeff Ross even joked on social media about rowing back to the United States as flights remained suspended, underscoring the unusual and frustrating experience faced by many stranded travelers.
Flights Resuming But Effects Linger
Authorities announced that the airspace restrictions were expected to be lifted after a period of heightened security, allowing airlines to resume normal operations. However, the backlog of cancellations and rebookings means that many travelers must still adjust their plans. This travel disruption — an indirect consequence of a geopolitical crisis — has underlined how international events can ripple outward, affecting civilian transportation and holiday plans in unexpected ways.
