US Government Shutdown: How It Affects Your Flights between Miami, Dominican Republic and Cuba

Over 1,000 flights canceled: What you need to know before traveling to the Caribbean

Published November 10, 2025 | Travel | By Billetaxo Team

⚠️ Current Situation: Why Are Flights Being Canceled?

The United States government shutdown is having a direct impact on the country's air traffic, with more than 1,000 flights canceled daily due to pressure on air traffic controllers working without pay.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to reduce their flight capacity at the 40 busiest airports in the country, starting with a 4% reduction that could escalate to 20% if the situation continues.

Key Figures You Need to Know

• +1,000 flights canceled each day since Friday
• Initial 10% reduction at major airports
• Could increase to 15-20% if the shutdown persists
• Most affected airports: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Newark

💡 Good news for Caribbean travelers: Airlines have emphasized that international flights are not expected to be significantly affected in this initial phase.

✈️ How Does This Affect Miami - Dominican Republic Flights?

If you're planning to travel from Miami to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, or any destination in the Dominican Republic, here's what you need to know:

Situation at Miami International Airport (MIA)

Although Miami is not on the main list of the 40 most affected airports, connections from other US cities to Miami could be impacted, especially if you're coming from:

• Chicago (ORD) - Among the most affected airports
• Atlanta (ATL) - Highest number of cancellations
• Dallas (DFW) - Significant disruptions
• Newark (EWR) - Delays and cancellations

Airlines Operating Miami-Dominican Republic Routes

The main airlines connecting Miami with the Dominican Republic have canceled flights at different levels:

Impact on Caribbean routes:

• Cancellations are mainly concentrated on domestic regional routes
• International flights like Miami-Santo Domingo, Miami-Punta Cana have operational priority
• Airlines are rebooking passengers on available flights

🇨🇺 What About Miami - Cuba Flights?

Flights between Miami and Havana could also be indirectly affected, although international routes maintain greater stability:

Most Monitored Routes

• Miami (MIA) ↔ Havana (HAV): Daily direct flights
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) ↔ Havana (HAV): Multiple frequencies
• Tampa (TPA) ↔ Havana (HAV): Frequent connections

Airlines Operating Routes to Cuba

• American Airlines: Main Miami-Havana operator
• Southwest Airlines: Routes from Florida
• JetBlue: Select services

⚠️ Important: If your flight connects through an affected airport (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas) before reaching Miami or Cuba, check your flight status more frequently.

🛡️ Your Rights as a Passenger

It's crucial that you know your rights during this situation:

✅ Guaranteed Refunds

Airlines are required to refund the full amount to customers whose flights are canceled, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

⚠️ Secondary Expenses NOT Covered

Airlines are NOT required to cover:

• Hotel accommodation
• Meals
• Ground transportation
• Other related expenses

Exception: They only cover these costs if the cancellation is due to a factor under their control (mechanical issues, overbooking, etc.).

🔄 Rebooking on Other Flights

• United Airlines: Has rebooked more than 50% of passengers on flights arriving within the next 4 hours
• American Airlines: Is accommodating most on same-day flights
• Southwest: Offers flexible change options without penalty

📋 Survival Guide: What to Do Before Your Flight

72 Hours Before the Flight

1. Sign up for flight alerts
   • Enable notifications from your airline
   • Use apps like FlightAware or FlightRadar24
   • Register for price and change alerts on Billetaxo
2. Research alternative flights
   • Identify other available flights to your destination
   • Check alternative airlines
   • Consider nearby airports
3. Download your airline's app
   • Quick access to flight changes
   • Automatic rebooking in some cases
   • Direct contact with customer service

24 Hours Before the Flight

1. Check flight status every 2-3 hours
2. Check in online immediately (24h before)
3. Save reservation confirmation in paper and digital
4. Have airline contact numbers ready

Day of the Flight

1. Arrive at the airport 3-4 hours early (instead of 2 hours)
   • Longer security lines
   • More time to resolve issues
   • Possibility of taking earlier flight if there are changes
2. Carry essential items in carry-on
   • Medications
   • Change of clothes
   • Important documents
   • Chargers and electronics
3. Maintain flexibility
   • Consider car rental options
   • Have budget for emergency accommodation
   • Bring snacks and water

🌴 Alternatives If Your Flight Is Canceled

Option 1: Alternative Flights from Florida

If your flight from Miami is canceled, consider these alternatives:

To the Dominican Republic:

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → Santo Domingo/Punta Cana
• Tampa (TPA) → Santo Domingo
• Orlando (MCO) → Punta Cana/Santo Domingo

To Cuba:

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → Havana
• Tampa (TPA) → Havana
• Key West (EYW) → Havana (charter)

Option 2: Connecting Routes

If direct flights are not available:

Via Panama:

• Miami → Panama (PTY) → Santo Domingo
• Miami → Panama (PTY) → Havana

Via Mexico:

• Miami → Cancun (CUN) → Havana
• Miami → Mexico City (MEX) → Santo Domingo

Option 3: Postpone the Trip

If not urgent:

• Wait for the situation to normalize (1-2 weeks)
• Take advantage of flexible change policies
• Possible better prices after the crisis

💰 How to Save During This Crisis

1. Compare Prices in Real Time

Don't limit yourself to one airline. Use comparators like Billetaxo to find the best available options:

🔍 Search Flights Miami - Santo Domingo

🔍 Search Flights Miami - Havana

🔍 See All Available Routes

2. Consider Flexible Dates

Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) tend to have:

• Fewer passengers
• Greater availability
• Lower prices
• Lower probability of cancellation

3. Book with Flexible Fare

Although it costs a bit more:

• Changes without penalty
• Full refund if needed
• Greater peace of mind

4. Travel Insurance

Invest in good insurance that covers:

• Cancellations for government reasons
• Accommodation expenses due to delays
• Rebooking on other flights
• Refund of prepaid tours/activities

📊 Outlook: How Long Will This Situation Last?

Possible Scenarios

Scenario 1: Quick Resolution (1-2 weeks)

• Government reopens in days
• Controllers receive back pay
• Gradual normalization in 5-7 days
• Probability: Medium-High

Scenario 2: Prolonged Situation (3-4 weeks)

• Shutdown persists for weeks
• Cancellations increase to 15-20%
• Greater impact on international flights
• Probability: Medium

Scenario 3: Extended Crisis (1+ month)

• Situation worsens
• Severe impact on entire industry
• Possible controller strikes
• Probability: Low

Official Statements

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy:

"If the shutdown persists much longer, the number of cancellations could increase from the initial 10% to 15% or 20%."

FAA:

"Flight cuts will remain in effect until safety data improves, regardless of the shutdown ending."

🎯 Specific Recommendations by Destination

Traveling to the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo (SDQ):

• ✅ Multiple airlines operating
• ✅ High flight frequency
• ⚠️ Verify schedules at last minute
• 💡 Consider flights from Fort Lauderdale as alternative

Punta Cana (PUJ):

• ✅ Tourist hub with high connectivity
• ✅ Priority for airlines
• ⚠️ High season may limit alternatives
• 💡 Book in advance

Santiago (STI):

• ⚠️ Fewer direct options
• ⚠️ May require connection
• 💡 Plan extra connection time

Traveling to Cuba

Havana (HAV):

• ✅ Direct flights from Miami maintain priority
• ⚠️ Less frequency than DR routes
• ⚠️ Strict documentation requirements
• 💡 Arrive 4 hours early for procedures

Other Cuban Cities:

• ⚠️ Generally require connection in Havana
• ⚠️ Higher probability of impact
• 💡 Consider traveling via Havana with overnight stay

🆘 Customer Service Lines

Major Airlines

American Airlines:

• 📞 1-800-433-7300
• 💬 Chat on mobile app
• 🌐 aa.com

United Airlines:

• 📞 1-800-864-8331
• 💬 Chat on united.com
• 🌐 united.com

Southwest:

• 📞 1-800-435-9792
• 💬 Chat on Southwest app
• 🌐 southwest.com

JetBlue:

• 📞 1-800-538-2583
• 💬 Twitter @JetBlue
• 🌐 jetblue.com

Additional Resources

FAA Flight Delays:

• 🌐 fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp

FlightAware:

• 🌐 flightaware.com
• 📱 iOS/Android App

US Department of Transportation:

• 📞 1-202-366-2220
• 🌐 transportation.gov

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Will my international flight be canceled?

Airlines have indicated that international flights have a lower probability of cancellation. However, if you have a connection at an affected airport (Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas), your trip could be indirectly impacted.

Can I claim compensation for hotel expenses?

Only if the cancellation is for reasons under the airline's control (mechanical, overbooking). Cancellations due to government shutdown do not qualify for secondary expense compensation, but they do for full ticket refund.

Should I cancel my trip?

Not necessarily. Evaluate your situation:

• If urgent travel: look for flexible alternatives
• If tourism: consider postponing 1-2 weeks
• If already at airport: work with airline for rebooking

What if my return flight is canceled?

You'll be covered for rebooking on the next available flight at no cost. Consider buying travel insurance that covers extended accommodation and itinerary changes.

Are charter flights affected?

Private charters and some smaller operators may not be as affected, but are generally more expensive. Consult directly with the operator.

🎁 Stay Informed with Billetaxo

To receive real-time alerts about changes to routes you're interested in:

Subscribe to Price Alerts

We'll notify you when:

• ✅ Prices drop on your route
• ✅ There's availability on full flights
• ✅ Your flight schedules change
• ✅ New promotions emerge

🔔 Activate Price Alerts

🌟 Conclusion

Although the current situation generates uncertainty, international flights from Miami to the Dominican Republic and Cuba remain relatively stable. The key is:

1. Early planning - Book with time and flexibility
2. Constant monitoring - Check your flight every 2-3 hours before traveling
3. Alternatives ready - Research backup options
4. Patience and flexibility - The situation changes day by day

Remember that you have the right to a full refund if your flight is canceled, and airlines are actively working to rebook passengers.

Don't Let Uncertainty Ruin Your Plans

Compare prices, find alternatives and stay informed with the best tools:

✈️ Search Flights Now

📚 Related Articles

• Miami - Santo Domingo Flights: Complete Guide 2025
• Miami - Havana Flights: Everything You Need to Know
• Best Time to Fly to the Caribbean and Save
• How to Find Cheap Flights: 10 Foolproof Tricks
• Passenger Rights: What to Do When Your Flight is Canceled

Have questions or need help finding an alternative flight? Contact our support team at soporte@billetaxo.com

Last updated: November 10, 2025
Source: Telemundo51, FAA, US Airlines
Author: Billetaxo Editorial Team