President Donald Trump announced on 29 November that all airspace over and around Venezuela would be closed, urging airlines, pilots and drug traffickers to stay away.
Trump’s Airspace Declaration
On 29 November, Trump posted a message on Truth Social in which he demanded that “all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers and human traffickers” recognize the airspace over Venezuela as completely closed. He thanked readers for their attention.
Escalating US‑Maduro Tensions
The remark comes amid rising friction between the United States and the left‑wing government of Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington accuses of facilitating drug trafficking to the U.S. Maduro argues that the U.S. aims to remove him from power.
For months the U.S. has deployed military forces and equipment, including an aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean, while Venezuela has bolstered security around its capital Caracas. Since September, the U.S. has attacked more than 20 ships linked to Venezuelan drug traffickers, causing over 80 deaths.
Airlines Suspend Flights
Following warnings from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, several carriers have halted services to Venezuela. Flights into Caracas were suspended by Spanish airlines Air Europa, Plus Ultra, Iberia; Brazilian Gol; and Portuguese Air Portugal.
Trump Sticks to Defense Measures
During a recent press briefing, Trump reiterated the U.S.’s willingness to take action against drug trafficking from Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, stating “We will do whatever it takes.” He did not rule out sending troops into Venezuela but said “I’m not excluding the possibility.”
