Trump says airlines should consider the airspace above Venezuela closed

president Donald Trump asked airlines on Saturday to consider the airspace over Venezuela closed.

“To all airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers, please consider the airspace over Venezuela and surrounding areas to be completely closed,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump’s comments come about a week after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned airlines about it Flying over Venezuela. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice urging airlines to “exercise caution” due to a “potentially hazardous situation” in the area.

“Operators are advised to exercise caution when operating in the Maiquetia FIR at all altitudes due to the deteriorating security situation and increased military activity in or around Venezuela.” The FAA advisory said.

Some international airlines are canceling flights to Venezuela after the Federal Aviation Administration warned about safety concerns

“The threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including in-flight, arrival and departure phases, and/or airports and aircraft on the ground,” she added, asking airlines to provide at least 72 hours advance notice to the FAA if they plan to fly through the area.

Then some international airlines canceled their flights to Venezuela after the FAA warning.

The FAA did not immediately respond Saturday to a request for comment from FOX Business.

FAA Warns Airlines Against Flying Over Venezuela: ‘Potentially Dangerous Situation’

A Venezuelan Navy coast guard boat operates off the coast of the Caribbean Sea on September 11, 2025. (Juan Carlos Hernandez/Reuters/Reuters)

Direct flights from US passenger and cargo carriers to Venezuela have been suspended since 2019, but some airlines are still flying over the country on their South American routes, according to To Reuters.

“Since September 2025, there has been an increase in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the Maiquetia FIR (SVZM FIR), as well as activity associated with increased military readiness of Venezuela.” The FAA also said.

Spanish airline Iberia said it had canceled its flights to Venezuela indefinitely. (Reuters/Isabelle Infantes/Archive Photo/Reuters)

Click here to read more about Fox Business

“Some civil aircraft have recently reported GNSS interference while transiting the SVZM, which in some cases has caused long-lasting impacts throughout the flight. GNSS jammers and spoofers can affect aircraft out to a range of up to 250 nautical miles and can affect a wide range of critical communications, navigation, surveillance and safety equipment on aircraft.”