Trump Declares Venezuelan Airspace Closed Amid Rising Tensions

President Donald Trump has announced that airlines should treat the airspace over Venezuela as closed due to escalating tensions with the Venezuelan government.

On Saturday morning, he posted on his Truth Social platform, addressing airlines, pilots, and even mentioning drug dealers and human traffickers. He said, “Please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.” It’s quite a bold statement, really.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also recently advised airlines to steer clear of the area. Their notice warned operators to exercise caution in the Maiquetia flight information region, citing a deteriorating security situation and increased military activities surrounding Venezuela.

In response, several airlines have canceled flights in alignment with this guidance.

Since September, the Trump administration has executed numerous military strikes targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels in both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. During a Thanksgiving Day call with military personnel, Trump indicated that U.S. forces would soon take action on land, further intensifying concerns.

The ongoing conflict with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro predates Trump’s second term. The U.S. is among more than 50 nations that do not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader. He has been in power since the passing of former President Hugo Chávez in 2013.

In October, Trump stated that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels operating out of Venezuela. Recently, the Department of State designated Cartel de los Soles as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization,” claiming it has ties to Maduro and his inner circle.

During his Thanksgiving call, Trump praised the military’s effectiveness in combating drug trafficking. He noted, “In recent weeks, you’ve been working to deter Venezuelan drug traffickers, of which there are many,” adding that fewer are arriving by sea now.