Several airlines are openly defying U.S President Donald Trump’s call to halt flights over Venezuela, as live tracking data reveal multiple carriers operating in and out of Caracas despite his declaration that the country’s airspace should be “closed in its entirety.”
Trump had earlier warned airlines on November 29 to avoid Venezuelan skies, citing security risks and regional instability.
“To all airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers, please consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety.”
However, dozens of aircraft were visibly seen over Venezuelan territory hours after the directive, including scheduled commercial flights from various nations.
One prominent example was Copa Airlines flight CMP224, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 registered as HP-9927CMP, which departed Panama City (PTY) and landed in Caracas (CCS) early Sunday morning.
The aircraft cruised at 35,000 feet at a ground speed of 473 knots, according to live tracking data.
This flight, along with others from regional and European carriers, raised more questions on how effective Trump’s words are when it comes to handling America’s adversaries.
Airlines Split on Compliance
While some carriers—such as Iberia, LATAM, and Avianca—temporarily suspended services citing U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisories issued earlier this month, others have maintained regular schedules.
Copa Airlines, Air Europa, and Turkish Airlines continued flights to Venezuela, confirming their confidence in their risk assessments and adherence to the Venezuelan aviation authority’s guidelines.
Colombian security stated that Trump’s statement carries no legal weight outside U.S. jurisdiction.
“Unless the FAA issues a binding directive or ICAO enforces restrictions, airlines are free to operate under bilateral agreements. Trump’s post was political signaling, not regulatory action.”
Venezuela Pushes Back
Venezuela has condemned Trump’s airspace warning as a colonialist threat and an immoral act of aggression, arguing that no foreign authority can dictate the use of Venezuelan skies.
The Foreign Ministry invoked ICAO rules and the UN Charter, calling the move illegal and politically motivated.
Venezuelan officials have accused Trump of manufacturing a pretext for conflict and vowed to defend sovereignty against any foreign aggression.
The Civil Aviation Institute (INAC) has escalated pressure on carriers, giving airlines 48 hours to resume flights or risk losing route rights.
Venezuela has warned that Trump’s stance could disrupt deportation and repatriation flights, framing it as a humanitarian setback.
Trump’s Word Is Withering
President Donald Trump’s second-term warnings are increasingly falling flat on the global stage.
His recent threats, such as pausing migration from Third World countries after a Washington shooting and warning South Africa against issuing a G20 consensus declaration, have drawn defiance rather than compliance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa rebuked Trump’s bullying tendencies, asserting that all nations are equal at the G20 Social Summit.
Moreover, European states such as France, Belgium, and Spain have openly rejected Trump’s directive to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, calling it an interference in sovereign policymaking.
Meanwhile, Pew Research shows confidence in Trump to handle global issues is at historic lows across 24 nations, with majorities in Europe, Canada, and Australia expressing no confidence at all in the 79-year-old.
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Trump’s once-feared leverage is eroding, as countries prioritize autonomy over intimidation.
Economic and Diplomatic Stakes
Analysts have warned that the standoff over Venezuelan airspace could extend beyond aviation.
Airlines continuing flights risk U.S. sanctions, but grounding routes would choke vital trade and humanitarian lifelines across Latin America.
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Venezuela depends on these connections for medical supplies and remittances, while carriers like Copa and Turkish Airlines earn millions from regional traffic.
Trump’s warning, issued without FAA enforcement or ICAO backing, signifies the gap between U.S. security narratives and global commercial realities.
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