The announcement was delivered through a direct message to pilots, airlines and illicit actors, marking the sharpest public warning issued so far.

It comes after aviation authorities last week cited increased military activity and a deteriorating security environment across Venezuelan air corridors.

Airspace Declared Closed “In Its Entirety”

The U.S. president stated that the airspace “above and surrounding Venezuela” should be considered shut “in its entirety,” addressing airlines, pilots, traffickers and smugglers in one sweeping notice.

Officials previously warned carriers of a “potentially hazardous situation” due to worsening security conditions and intensified military manoeuvres in and around Venezuelan territory. Six major airlines subsequently halted services after receiving those alerts.

Escalating Confrontation With Maduro

The airspace declaration amplifies weeks of increasingly forceful rhetoric from senior U.S. officials toward President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Analysts say Washington appears to be building both political and operational pressure, while armed forces have already deployed an aircraft carrier to the Caribbean and conducted deadly strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking, which have killed dozens. United Nations experts have labelled the strikes extrajudicial.

Fears of Broader Military Action

Officials close to the matter say the U.S. president recently told advisers he intends to begin targeting drug-trafficking networks “by land,” deepening concerns over a possible expansion of operations.

Reports also surfaced that he held a conversation with Maduro regarding a potential meeting, though no plans have been confirmed. Observers warn that instructing airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace sends a “very aggressive message” that could precede further action.

Venezuela Responds With Flight Suspensions

Authorities in Caracas revoked operating rights for six international airlines that suspended flights after the aviation warning. Officials accused the companies of “joining the actions of state terrorism,” escalating a retaliatory posture.

Meanwhile, the security situation continues to deteriorate as military deployments increase and cross-border tensions rise.