President Trump declared that all airspace over Venezuela is now closed to flights as part of a sweeping effort to counter what the U.S. government describes as a spike in drug trafficking from the region.
Citing growing concerns over illicit drug routes and increased smuggling activity, the administration ordered airlines and private aircraft to avoid Venezuelan airspace or risk being subject to enforcement. The directive reflects escalating pressure on Caracas over alleged ties between drug cartels and state actors.
Officials say the ban aims to disrupt trafficking networks that exploit Venezuelan air and maritime corridors to transport narcotics northward. The move marks one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. policy toward Venezuela in recent years.