The president issued a sweeping statement urging airlines, pilots, and criminal networks alike to stay out of Venezuelan airspace amid escalating regional tensions.
President Donald J. Trump issued a stark message on Thursday, announcing that Venezuelan airspace and the surrounding region should be considered fully closed due to ongoing U.S. military operations and heightened security conditions.
In a post on X, the president wrote:
“To all airlines, pilots, drug traffickers and human traffickers: we urge you to consider that the airspace over Venezuela and its surroundings will remain completely closed. Thank you for your attention! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The statement comes at a time of intense U.S.–Venezuela friction, with American strategic aircraft and naval assets operating near the country as part of Operation Southern Spear, the administration’s expanded counter–narco-terrorism campaign.
The White House has not issued additional details about the scope or enforcement mechanisms tied to the message, and the FAA has not released a formal Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) regarding the closure.
U.S. officials say increased caution is necessary due to “active operational environments” in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan authorities have not issued a public response.
