Trump orders reopening of Venezuela airspace; Americans to visit ‘very shortly’ | World News
The United States will reopen commercial airspace over Venezuela by the end of the day, President Donald Trump announced Thursday. This decision points to the rapid normalization of relations after the last US military operation in which Nicolas Maduro was deposed. Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Trump said he informed interim Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodriguez about the decision allowing American citizens to return to the South American country.
Change to ‘safe to visit’ airspace policy
This decision reversed the complete closure of airspace over and around Venezuela that Trump announced last November. Although this closure was not a formal legal decision by Venezuela, it effectively halted international flights as US naval forces built up in the Atlantic.
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“I have instructed US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and our military leaders to open airspace by the end of the day,” Trump said. “American citizens will soon be able to go to Venezuela and be safe there.”
The president also noted that major US oil companies are already exploring projects in the country. He predicted that this partnership would bring great wealth to both countries.
Phased reopening of US Embassy Caracas
The airspace announcement follows formal notification to Congress earlier this week of the possible reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, which has been closed since the breakdown of diplomatic relations in 2019.
According to a State Department statement obtained by The Associated Press:
phased approach: The United States is sending more temporary personnel to perform certain diplomatic duties.
temporary facilities: Staff will initially live and work in a temporary environment while the existing embassy site is updated to meet security and operational standards.
Leadership: A diplomat based in Bogota was appointed as the new chargé d’affaires to manage the transition.
Conflicting security warnings continue
Despite the president’s hopeful tone, the official U.S. travel advisory for Venezuela remains at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The State Department’s latest guidance, updated on Thursday, still warns of high risks of:
- False detention and abduction.
- Civil unrest and poor health infrastructure.
- Terrorism and violent crimes.
Administration officials emphasized that the reopening of the embassy and airspace were preparatory steps at a time when the United States is trying to fully rebuild relations following the Jan. 1 military attack.
Impact on travel and oil
The reopening of the Maiquetía Flight Information Zone is expected to prompt major airlines, including United, Delta and American Airlines, to rush to revive routes canceled during military action earlier this month. For Venezuela, the move is vital to rebuilding an economy currently facing a US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers.
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