Air TransportTrump declares Venezuelan airspace closed to civil flights amid US military buildup
US President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that the airspace around Venezuela should be considered closed to civil flights, prompting immediate condemnation from the Venezuelan government.
The statement follows warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about increased military activity in the region, heightening concerns among airlines and industry stakeholders regarding operational safety.
Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and GOL halted their operations following the FAA warning, leading Venezuelan authorities to accuse the airlines of participating in ‘actions of terrorism of State promoted by the United States’ by “unilaterally suspending” commercial flights.
The closure comes as the US has expanded its military presence near Venezuela, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and approximately 15,000 troops.
Venezuela responded by conducting military exercises along its coastal areas and publicly displaying anti-aircraft weaponry. These actions are intended to demonstrate readiness in the face of what Venezuelan officials describe as external threats.
The Venezuelan government has called on the international community and multilateral organizations to reject what it characterizes as an illegal and unjustified move by the US.
The government claims the airspace declaration is part of broader efforts to depose President Nicolás Maduro, whose re-election remains disputed by many countries.
US authorities have previously designated the Cartel de los Soles, allegedly led by Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization, further complicating bilateral relations.
The situation has raised concerns among regional aviation operators regarding route planning and compliance with evolving regulatory guidance.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
