CARACAS/WILLEMSTAD – Venezuela's temporary restrictions on international flights have fueled political tensions following reports that opposition leader María Corina Machado had planned to return to the country via Curaçao, but ultimately postponed the trip after the United States declined to provide official support.
According to Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, Machado intended to travel from the United States to Venezuela through Curaçao last week. Private security personnel had reportedly already begun preparations for her arrival on the island.
The planned return was reportedly abandoned after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that Machado would be traveling at her own risk and without U.S. government backing.
Bloomberg reported that Machado remains determined to return to Venezuela as soon as possible. However, U.S. officials reportedly expressed concern that her return could trigger a confrontation with Venezuelan authorities and complicate ongoing humanitarian operations following the country's devastating earthquakes.
The report states that while Machado had support from at least one senior official within the Trump administration, the final decision was made not to provide official U.S. assistance for the trip.
According to Bloomberg, Machado also does not possess a valid Venezuelan passport and would require authorization to enter the country legally. Attempting to return without that authorization could lead to a confrontation with Venezuelan authorities.
The reports come as Venezuela's National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) has imposed temporary restrictions on international flights through NOTAM A0278/26, which took effect on June 29 and remains in force through July 2.
Under the notice, all international arrivals and departures at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía require prior authorization from the Venezuelan civil aviation authority. Although the measure does not formally close the airport, it effectively limits regular international commercial flights that have not received special approval.
The aviation restrictions have coincided with reports circulating on social media claiming that the Venezuelan government has issued an executive order preventing Machado from entering the country. Those claims have not been officially confirmed, and Venezuelan authorities have not publicly responded to the reports.
The timing of the flight restrictions has drawn criticism from opposition supporters, who question why access to Venezuela is being tightened while the country is still responding to a major humanitarian disaster. International rescue teams and relief organizations continue to operate in the earthquake-affected regions.
As of publication, neither Machado's team, the Venezuelan Ministry of Information, the White House, nor the U.S. Department of State had responded to Bloomberg's requests for comment. The Venezuelan government has also not publicly explained the reasons for the temporary aviation restrictions or addressed reports of a possible entry ban on the opposition leader.
Curaçao Chronicle has not independently verified the reports regarding an executive order barring Machado from entering Venezuela.