Trump Tells Airlines to Avoid Venezuela Airspace Immediately/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has declared Venezuelan airspace off-limits, urging airlines, pilots, and others to avoid the region entirely. The announcement follows an FAA advisory warning of heightened military activity and GPS interference in Venezuelan skies. Some international airlines have already canceled flights amid growing safety concerns.
Venezuelan Airspace Warning: Quick Looks
- Trump declares Venezuelan airspace “closed” via Truth Social post
- FAA previously issued safety advisory about overflight risks in Venezuela
- Airlines warned of “potentially hazardous situation” due to military activity
- FAA cites GNSS jamming, GPS spoofing, and surveillance threats
- Civil aircraft report lingering navigation issues after flying over region
- Direct U.S. flights to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019
- Airlines must now notify FAA 72 hours before flying through area
- Several international carriers cancel flights to Venezuela
- Iberia Airlines suspends Venezuela flights indefinitely
- FAA urges extreme caution for flights entering Maiquetia FIR
Deep Look: Trump Orders Airlines to Treat Venezuelan Airspace as Closed After FAA Security Alert
WASHINGTON (FOX Business) — President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a blunt directive to airlines, warning them to stay out of Venezuelan airspace, citing rising military tensions and increased threats to aircraft navigation systems.
The announcement, delivered via a Truth Social post, expands upon a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alert issued just days earlier, which advised extreme caution when operating over or near Venezuela due to “a potentially hazardous situation.”
“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.
FAA Flags Venezuela as Security Risk
The FAA issued its advisory on Nov. 21, warning commercial and civilian operators about operating within the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR). According to the notice, the area is experiencing heightened military readiness, navigation interference, and broader security instability.
The advisory explicitly warned that threats could affect:
- Aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight
- Arrivals and departures
- Aircraft on the ground at Venezuelan airports
The FAA also requested airlines to provide 72-hour notice if they plan to fly through the airspace, underscoring the severity of the risks.
“Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia FIR due to the worsening security situation and increased military activity,” the FAA said.
Navigation Interference Reported
The FAA further noted a troubling increase in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference in the region, including:
- GPS jamming and spoofing technology
- Lingering navigation disruptions after overflight
- Impact to communication, navigation, surveillance, and safety systems
- Potential disruption radius of up to 250 nautical miles
Some aircraft reported interference that lasted beyond the affected zone, posing longer-term safety risks during flight operations.
Airlines Respond: Flights Canceled
In response to the FAA warning and Trump’s announcement, some international airlines have canceled their flights to Venezuela, including Iberia Airlines of Spain, which suspended service indefinitely.
Though direct flights between the U.S. and Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, some international carriers continue to fly over the country on their South America routes. That practice is now under heightened scrutiny.
A Venezuelan Navy presence has also been observed patrolling coastal waters in recent weeks, further escalating tensions.
“Since September 2025, there has been a rise in navigation interference and Venezuelan military activity,” the FAA confirmed, citing intel from civil aircraft and regional operators.
FAA Refers to Previous Warning
When asked to comment on Trump’s post, the FAA referred media back to its Nov. 21 advisory, avoiding direct commentary on the president’s social media statement.
Despite that, Trump’s directive effectively reinforces the FAA’s cautionary stance—adding political weight to what was already considered a serious aviation risk.
What Air Travelers Need to Know
- Airlines flying over Venezuela must now evaluate rerouting options
- Travelers with international bookings should check for cancellations or route changes
- No commercial U.S. flights currently land in Venezuela, but cargo and international carriers may be impacted
- Expect more flight route adjustments across South American air corridors
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