The recent US-led military operation in Venezuela , which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, has had disruptive consequences far beyond the political and geopolitical sphere. One of the most unusual and viral side effects on social media was how numerous celebrities and high-profile travelers, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, and Mike Tyson, among many others, were stranded on Caribbean islands , unable to fly back to the United States and other destinations due to the temporary closure of airspace in the region.
It all began on January 3, 2026 , when the White House confirmed that US forces had conducted an operation in Caracas to capture Maduro, whom Washington accused of drug trafficking and crimes linked to international criminal networks. The operation was accompanied by targeted bombings and a significant naval deployment in the Caribbean, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to close airspace over vast areas of the Caribbean for security reasons.
The closure severely impacted thousands of tourists who had spent the holidays in destinations such as St. Barts, Anguilla, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico , forcing them to extend their stay . Among those most discussed in international media were Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Natalie Portman, Queen Latifah, Mike Tyson, and nightlife entrepreneur Richie Akiva .
DiCaprio, for example, had to cancel his attendance at the Palm Springs International Film Awards , where he was scheduled to receive an award, because he was unable to leave St. Barts due to flight restrictions imposed after the operation in Venezuela.
Social media was flooded with posts from surprised or resigned travelers, from celebrities to ordinary tourists. Some tried to reach neighboring islands by sea to find alternative flights, but high demand and limited seats complicated those plans.
Despite the impact on the professional and personal lives of many, the response on the ground was varied. Some, with sufficient resources, turned the setback into an impromptu party, while others faced additional costs and logistical stress in rescheduling their flights or accommodations.
The issues were resolved, for some in less than 48 hours. A very tanned DiCaprio managed to attend the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, January 4, where he lost in the Best Actor category. The award went to his main rival this awards season: Timothée Chalamet.
