The Venezuelan government strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s statement threatening to shut down Venezuela’s airspace, emphasizing that the nation will continue to exercise full sovereignty over its skies in accordance with international law.

In an official statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry underlined that its airspace is protected under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and cited the 1944 Chicago Convention, which recognizes that “every state has exclusive and absolute sovereignty over the airspace above its territory.”

“The Bolivarian Government declares that Venezuela will not accept any orders, threats, or interventions from any foreign power,” the statement said. “No authority other than Venezuelan institutions has the right to interfere with, obstruct, or impose conditions on the use of national airspace.”

The Ministry also highlighted that US authorities unilaterally suspended flights intended for the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants under the Return to the Homeland Plan. To date, 75 flights have successfully returned nearly 14,000 Venezuelans to their country.

Venezuelan officials warned that US military actions pose a threat to regional security across the Caribbean and northern South America. The statement called on the international community, sovereign states, the United Nations, and relevant multilateral organizations not to remain silent in the face of such aggression.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil denounced Trump’s remarks, saying they “reflect an approach that carries colonial ambitions toward the Latin American region” and are part of a longstanding campaign of unilateral pressure against Venezuela.

“Venezuela strongly rejects these expressions, which are attempts to dictate to and threaten the sovereignty of our nation,” Gil said. “Such statements are unilateral, arbitrary, and hostile actions that violate fundamental principles of international law.”

The government stressed that any threats against Venezuelan airspace are “a threat to the peace of the continent and to our people,” adding that the country will respond with “all the strength granted by international law and the anti-imperialist spirit of our people, with dignity and legality.”

Despite Trump’s threats, Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela’s primary gateway, continues normal flight operations, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and transport for citizens.

The Venezuelan government reaffirmed its commitment to defending national sovereignty and maintaining peace, while upholding international legal protections over its territory and airspace. (ILKHA)