Colombia raises alarm over US aviation warning in Venezuelan airspace

(MENAFN) Colombia’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern after the United States issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) warning of potential dangers for civilian flights over Venezuela, citing a deteriorating security environment, stepped-up military activity, and disruptions to GPS signals, according to reports.

Officials in Bogotá stressed that any aeronautical alert tied to the conditions of a specific country’s airspace must be coordinated directly with that nation’s authorities. They cautioned that advisories released by outside parties without such consultation create uncertainty for flight operations and could jeopardize international aviation safety.

Reaffirming that Latin America and the Caribbean constitute a “zone of peace,” the ministry argued that unilateral military-related actions or measures affecting air traffic unnecessarily heighten tensions and undermine regional stability. It added that issuing warnings without agreement from the country concerned contradicts the region’s long-standing norms of cooperation and mutual respect.

Colombia stated it will continue tracking developments while advocating adherence to global aviation rules, as well as principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and the peaceful resolution of disputes within multilateral bodies.

The government’s comments followed President Donald Trump’s social media declaration that the airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela should be regarded as “completely shut down.” Venezuelan authorities rejected the claim and demanded “unconditional respect” for their airspace.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also posted a response, sharply criticizing the US position.

“The closure of Venezuelan airspace is completely illegal. The ICAO must convene immediately,” he wrote, pointing to the International Civil Aviation Organization. He continued, “There is no authorization from the UN Security Council for military action against our neighbor. The US Senate has not authorized armed intervention. International order must be preserved, and Latin America and the Caribbean must say so without fear,” while noting, “Venezuela needs more democracy, and democracy is a product only of its internal forces and its people."

He concluded by stating, "No airline should accept illegal orders regarding the airspace of any country. I urge President Trump to return to respecting the international legal order, which is the accumulated wisdom of human civilization.”

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