US President Donald Trump has declared the complete closure of all airspace above and surrounding Venezuela, escalating an ongoing dispute with the South American nation's government over drug trafficking allegations.
Trump's Social Media Declaration
The announcement came via the president's Truth Social platform on Saturday 29th November 2025, where he directly addressed airlines, pilots and suspected criminal elements in his characteristically blunt style. "To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY," Trump wrote.
This dramatic move follows recent warnings from US aviation regulators about a "potentially hazardous situation" for aircraft flying over Venezuela due to deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity in the region.
Growing Military Tensions
The airspace closure represents the latest escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas. President Trump has explicitly accused his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, of involvement in drug trafficking operations - allegations that Maduro strongly denies.
In a significant development this week, Trump informed military commanders that land operations targeting suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers would commence "very soon." This announcement comes alongside a substantial US military buildup in the Caribbean region.
Recent American counter-narcotics operations have already seen intense action, with airstrikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea resulting in at least 83 fatalities. The initial strike targeted a Venezuelan vessel, killing all 11 people aboard.
Regional Fallout and Response
The escalating situation has already impacted international aviation. Venezuela revoked operating rights for six major airlines that heeded American warnings and suspended flights to the country.
Maduro, widely considered a dictator who has maintained power since 2013, claims that Trump's ultimate objective is to remove him from leadership. The Venezuelan communications ministry had not responded to requests for comment regarding Trump's latest announcement at the time of reporting.
Beyond overt military movements, President Trump has authorised covert CIA operations within Venezuelan territory, indicating a multi-faceted approach to pressuring the Maduro government.
The US president has yet to provide additional details about the implementation or duration of the airspace closure, leaving international aviation authorities and regional governments awaiting further clarification about this unprecedented move in Caribbean airspace management.
