US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is to be “completely closed,” issuing a stark warning to all commercial and illicit operators. The announcement, made on his Truth Social platform, comes amid escalating tensions and an increased US military presence in the Caribbean.
In his blunt statement, President Trump addressed multiple groups, declaring, “To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”
The warning follows a period of heightened military activity in the region, which the Trump administration says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking operations. This posture, which includes a major US military deployment in the Caribbean and the presence of a large aircraft carrier, has been interpreted by many as an escalating pressure campaign against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Reports indicate that the airspace closure is part of broader anti-drug operations.
The announcement puts pressure on international airlines and pilots to strictly adhere to the new restriction, while serving as a direct warning to criminal organizations suspected of using the airspace for illicit activities.