On 29 November 2025, Trump posted on social media that “the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela” should be considered “closed in its entirety.”
He addressed airlines, pilots — and extended the warning to entities he accused of trafficking drugs and people.
Business Insider
Venezuela’s government responded swiftly and strongly. In a public statement, officials condemned Trump’s declaration as a “colonialist threat,” a violation of international law, and an attack on the nation’s sovereignty.
They said only Venezuelan institutions have authority over their airspace — no foreign power can intervene or impose restrictions.
As a direct reaction, Venezuela suspended all migrant-deportation flights from the United States — flights that had been carrying Venezuelan nationals back home under repatriation efforts.
Venezuelan authorities described the suspension as a refusal to accept what they viewed as foreign threats and attempts to undermine their sovereignty.
International aviation was already in turmoil. Prior to Trump’s statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had warned of a heightened risk for flights over Venezuela — citing increased military activity and deteriorating security. Several international airlines responded by suspending or rerouting flights.
Soon after, Venezuela revoked the flight rights of six major international airlines — accusing them of collaborating in what they called “state terrorism” by halting their flights.
In short: a single post by Trump triggered an international chain reaction — a diplomatic confrontation, disrupted migration logistics, and deepening instability in global air travel to and from Venezuela.