Washington: In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will reopen Venezuelan airspace for commercial and civilian flights following direct talks with Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez. The move comes after weeks of heightened tensions and military interventions in the region, signaling a cautious effort by Washington to stabilize relations and facilitate safer travel.
Speaking to the press, President Trump confirmed that U.S. officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and senior military advisors, have been tasked with completing the formal reopening process by the end of Thursday. Trump emphasized that discussions with Rodríguez were productive, and that the reopening will ensure American citizens and international travellers can safely access Venezuelan airspace in the coming days.
The announcement follows a period of strained aviation activity in the region. Earlier this month, U.S. military operations in Caracas, which resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, had prompted warnings to airlines and temporary flight restrictions over Venezuelan territory. Many commercial carriers were forced to reroute flights or cancel operations, affecting international travel and trade. Reopening the airspace represents a practical step toward restoring normalcy for both airlines and passengers.
Cardinal to this development is the role of Delcy Rodríguez, who serves as acting president under Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice following Maduro’s removal from power. Rodríguez has engaged in ongoing dialogue with U.S. diplomats, navigating the complex post-intervention political landscape. Her cooperation has included early signals of willingness to engage on issues such as oil trade, release of political prisoners, and potential diplomatic recognition by the United States.
While the reopening of airspace is a tangible measure, analysts caution that broader geopolitical challenges remain. Intelligence assessments suggest uncertainties about how fully Rodríguez’s administration will align with U.S. strategic goals, particularly regarding longstanding relationships with countries such as China, Russia, and Iran. Despite these concerns, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have indicated that no further military operations are planned at present, framing past actions as limited law-enforcement measures rather than a continuation of wartime engagement.
Observers view the reopening as a pragmatic step in recalibrating U.S.–Venezuela relations, providing immediate relief for travellers and businesses, while leaving room for continued diplomatic negotiations. It may also pave the way for future cooperation on trade, humanitarian issues, and diplomatic engagement, as both nations navigate the complex political and economic challenges in the aftermath of recent interventions.
This development underscores a subtle but important shift in U.S. policy from a posture of strict isolation and sanctions to cautious engagement and practical collaboration, signaling that Washington seeks stability in Venezuelan airspace while maintaining a close watch on evolving political alignments in the region.