President Donald J. Trump declared on 29 November 2025 that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela “should be considered closed in its entirety,” escalating pressure on Caracas amid mounting U.S. counter-narcotics operations in the region.

The order — conveyed via a social-media post — instructs “airlines, pilots, drug-dealers, and human-traffickers” to avoid Venezuelan airspace, though it provides no legal or operational details for enforcement.

The announcement comes after a November 21 notice from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advising civil aviation to exercise caution over Venezuela due to a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity.” In response to those warnings, multiple international carriers — including major Latin American and European airlines — suspended flights to and over Venezuela, citing safety concerns.

Venezuela’s government immediately condemned Trump’s statement, calling it a “colonialist threat” and a flagrant violation of international law and national sovereignty.

It also promptly suspended migrant-repatriation flights arranged with the United States.

The reaction reflects the deepening diplomatic rift between Washington and Caracas — already strained by recent U.S. strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking and a broader show of U.S. naval and air-force presence in the Caribbean region.

The U.S. administration has advanced a high-stakes campaign against what it calls Maduro-linked drug and gang networks.

Recent operations include maritime strikes on smuggling vessels and deployment of naval assets near Venezuelan waters, with threats of further action “very soon” against drug trafficking.

Against this backdrop, the airspace declaration appears to reinforce U.S. strategic pressure — though some analysts argue the unilateral move may lack clear legal standing.

With airlines cancelling routes, flights diverted or suspended, and Venezuela retaliating by revoking air-carrier licences, the closure has triggered far-reaching consequences for civilian travel, commerce and diplomatic relations.

The situation underscores growing instability in the region — and raises questions about the potential for further escalation as the U.S. intensifies its campaign against the Maduro government.

Amid rising tensions, all eyes are now on whether Washington will follow through with further military or economic actions, and on how Venezuela’s international partners will respond to what some are calling a precursor to deeper intervention.