Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has accused the interim government in Caracas of closing the country’s commercial airspace to prevent her from returning after the twin earthquakes that struck on 24 June, killing more than 1,700 people. In a video message posted from Panama on Monday, Machado said the measure was later reversed but that authorities had threatened anyone seeking to facilitate her entry. The Venezuelan government has not publicly responded to the accusation. A notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by Venezuelan authorities restricts international take-offs and landings until 7 July, with operations controlled by state agencies; the main international airport serving Caracas was damaged and is open only for humanitarian flights, while other airports are handling commercial traffic.

Machado broadened her criticism to include what she described as the blocking of food and medicine distribution by citizens, the stranding of international rescue teams at airports, and restrictions on journalists. She framed her return as an “unpostponable” duty to accompany the population and coordinate civil-society relief efforts. Viewed from Caracas, the airspace measures are officially linked to infrastructure damage, but Machado’s camp and regional analysts note that the interim administration of Delcy Rodríguez faces growing public frustration over its disaster response. Rodríguez was confronted by angry residents during a visit to a damaged neighbourhood last week, and her disapproval rating rose to 59 per cent in May, according to a poll by AtlasIntel.

Washington has distanced itself from Machado’s immediate return plans. US officials, speaking anonymously to Bloomberg and The New York Times, said the White House refused to provide logistical or security assistance, warning that she would be travelling at her own risk. The prevailing view in the administration, according to these sources, is that a rapid return could provoke a confrontation with the interim government and divert attention from rescue operations. The US has prioritised a working relationship with Rodríguez, who assumed power after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a US military operation in January, and has secured economic concessions in oil, gas and mining. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has outlined a phased approach of stabilisation, recovery and eventual political transition, with elections postponed. Machado’s team had approached multiple US agencies and members of Congress seeking support, but the State Department declined to comment on her request, stating its focus was on the earthquake response.

Machado has been in exile since December, when she left Venezuela clandestinely to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, later presenting the medal to President Donald Trump. She remains the country’s most popular political figure but lacks institutional leverage, while the interim government has consolidated control with US backing. Her attempted return via Curaçao was reportedly blocked after Washington pressured local authorities, according to Bloomberg. The political calculus in Caracas and Washington now centres on whether allowing her entry would signal political opening or risk instability. Machado has vowed to try again, saying she is “ready and close to Venezuela.” The airspace restrictions remain in place, and no official channel for her return has been established.