Late on Saturday, November 29, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles by declaring on Truth Social that the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela is closed in its entirety. Addressed to 'Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers,' the post offered no specifics on legal or operational measures.
Caracas swiftly rejected the move as an 'extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression' against the Venezuelan people. In an official communique, Venezuelan authorities cited the 1944 Chicago Convention, which grants each state exclusive sovereignty over its airspace, and warned that the U.S. threat violates the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force.
The announcement could disrupt hundreds of daily commercial and cargo flights linking Venezuela with Latin America and Europe. Aviation experts warn that carriers may need to reroute over the Caribbean, adding thousands of kilometers and extra costs, or even suspend services until tensions ease.
Venezuela has appealed to the international community to condemn what it calls an 'immoral act of aggression' and to uphold respect for state sovereignty. Caracas has promised to respond with 'legality and dignity,' though specific countermeasures remain under review.
As global citizens, from young travelers mapping out new routes to business leaders monitoring trade corridors, will be watching closely. Will major airlines challenge the U.S. declaration? Could regional allies step in to broker a solution? The coming days may redefine how airspace sovereignty is contested on the world stage.
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Venezuela denounces U.S. 'aggression' after Trump post on airspace
cgtn.com
