PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago has opened its international airports to United States military flights as regional tensions surrounding Venezuela continue to escalate. The decision allows U.S. aircraft to use Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and the airport in Tobago for logistical purposes, including refueling and crew rotations.
The government in Port of Spain described the access as temporary and limited, framing the move within the context of regional security cooperation.
The decision comes amid a broader increase in U.S. military activity across the Caribbean. Washington has intensified pressure on the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro while expanding its operational presence in the region.
During the same period, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reiterated its warning to airlines regarding deteriorating safety conditions for flights over Venezuelan airspace, citing heightened military activity and security risks.
Strong Reaction from Caracas
The response from Caracas was swift and sharply critical. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez accused Trinidad and Tobago of facilitating U.S. operations against Venezuela and announced the suspension of talks on natural gas supplies to the neighboring country.
According to Rodríguez, Trinidad and Tobago is allowing itself to become part of what she described as a hostile U.S. strategy in the region.
Criticism has also emerged domestically within Trinidad and Tobago. Opposition politicians and former government officials warned that allowing U.S. military aircraft access to national airports could entangle the country in geopolitical tensions and strain relations with neighboring states.
The government, however, stressed that the arrangement does not involve the establishment of a permanent military base and insisted that national sovereignty remains fully intact.
Regional Implications
The development is significant for the wider Caribbean, where several territories, including Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire, have also experienced increased military air traffic and additional civil aviation safety advisories in recent weeks.