Venezuela Condemned Trump’s Airspace Warning as Aviation Tensions Escalated
Venezuela condemned Donald Trump’s weekend statement claiming the country’s airspace should be considered fully closed.
The comments intensified diplomatic tensions and triggered new aviation concerns across the region.
Venezuela Rejected Trump’s Statement as Illegal and Aggressive
Venezuela called Trump’s remarks illegal, unjustified, and a “colonialist threat” against the Venezuelan people. Trump urged airlines and pilots to avoid Venezuelan airspace in a Truth Social post.
American lawmakers from both parties expressed anger about Trump’s unilateral comments. Senator Chuck Schumer warned the statement pushed the United States toward another foreign conflict.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene reminded the public that Congress holds war-declaration authority. The FAA had already warned airlines about increased military activity near Venezuela.
That alert prompted several foreign carriers to pause flights for safety reasons.
Airlines Suspended Flights as Venezuela Revoked Operating Rights
Six major airlines suspended services after the FAA raised security concerns. Venezuela then revoked their landing and takeoff rights in response.
Officials accused the airlines of supporting “state terrorism” led by the U.S. government. Portugal called Venezuela’s actions “totally disproportionate” and urged dialogue to restore rights.
Airlines stressed they paused operations only because of safety considerations. U.S. carriers have not operated direct flights to Venezuela since 2019.
U.S. Military Presence Increased Near Venezuelan Waters
The United States increased its military presence in the southern Caribbean. Officials positioned the USS Gerald R. Ford close to Venezuelan waters. About 15,000 U.S. troops supported the mission in the region.
Washington said the deployment targeted regional drug trafficking networks. Venezuela argued the operation aimed to destabilise President Nicolás Maduro’s government. U.S. forces had already conducted several strikes on alleged cartel boats.
Those strikes reportedly killed more than 80 people since September. Venezuela held coastal military exercises in response to rising tensions.
Regional Leaders Reacted as Political Pressure Intensified
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticised U.S. actions as regional domination. Other leaders in Latin America supported Washington’s tougher stance on Venezuela.
The United States designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation. Venezuela rejected the designation and accused Washington of fabricating evidence.
Regional diplomacy remained strained as both countries raised their rhetoric.
International airlines that suspended services or had permits revoked
• Iberia (suspended; operating rights revoked by Caracas)
• TAP Air Portugal (suspended; operating rights revoked).
• Avianca (suspended; operating rights revoked).
• LATAM (suspended flights; affected by the FAA advisory).
• Gol (suspended; operating rights revoked).
• Turkish Airlines (suspended; operating rights revoked).
International airlines still operating (limited list)
• Copa Airlines continued limited services, operating through Panama to Venezuela.
• Wingo continued some regional flights, mainly linking Colombia and Venezuela.
Domestic Venezuelan carriers still flying
Multiple Venezuelan domestic airlines maintained scheduled services within the country. These included Conviasa, Avior, LASER, Rutaca, Venezolana and Estelar.
Domestic connectivity remained active, linking Caracas to Maracaibo, Porlamar, Puerto Ordaz and other regional airports.