Venezuela Blocks Six Airlines; Trump Says Land Action Coming Soon

Six major international airlines have been blocked from landing in Venezuela after refusing to restart flights within a 48‑hour deadline. Officials in Venezuela accused the carriers of “state terrorism” when they suspended service following a U.S. aviation warning.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had cautioned airlines about “heightened military activity” and a “potentially hazardous situation” in Venezuelan skies. In response, the Venezuelan government demanded that flights resume immediately, but when the deadline passed, the ban was enforced.

Authorities in Venezuela argue the FAA has no authority over their airspace.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump signalled tougher measures against alleged drug trafficking networks in Venezuela. Speaking to service members during a Thanksgiving call on Thursday, he said, “We’ll be starting to stop them by land also. The land is easier, but that’s going to start very soon.”

He added, “We warn them: Stop sending poison to our country.”

President Nicolás Maduro has denied any links to drug trafficking and dismissed U.S. claims as part of a broader campaign to destabilise his government.