“There is a bit of uncertainty and doubt about what will actually happen,” said the Portuguese descendant residing in Madeira to the Lusa agency.

Ana Cristina Monteiro mentioned that in her conversations, some express being “calm and expectant of what might happen,” while others perceive the U.S. alert, which sparked this situation, as a security measure for Venezuelans and, evidently, for the Madeirans living in Venezuela.

Many await with the expectation that it might be “for the good of Venezuela, to achieve freedom,” she added.

She complemented that others are “worried” and some are “a bit tired and want a definitive solution.”

Airspace Closure “Affects Portuguese”

Monteiro emphasized that the complete closure of airspace and the restriction on TAP flights to and from Venezuela directly affects “Portuguese and Portuguese descendants,” especially during the Christmas season when many families travel to reunite.

“Although the news reports that Maquieta airport in Venezuela is partially operational, obviously this whole situation affects reunions and families,” she reinforced.

The country boasts a significant community of Portuguese and Portuguese descendants, being one of the main destinations for Madeiran emigration. In 2019, estimates pointed to about 300,000 people.

Under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, Washington has maintained a naval and air detachment in Caribbean waters near Venezuela since September, even deploying the world’s largest aircraft carrier to the region.

On November 21, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended “extreme caution” when flying over Venezuela and the southern Caribbean due to what it considers “a potentially dangerous situation” in the region.

Several airlines, including TAP, then suspended their flights to the country.

The Venezuelan government subsequently decided to revoke the operating licenses of TAP, Iberia, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol, accusing them of joining in the “terrorist acts” promoted by the United States.

These decisions arise amid increasing tension between Venezuela and the United States.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump considered ground attacks on Venezuelan territory in the fight against drug cartels.

On Saturday, Trump warned that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered “completely closed,” a statement condemned by Caracas as a “colonialist threat.”

The general consulates of Portugal in the Venezuelan cities of Caracas and Valencia have provided emergency telephone channels for Portuguese residents in Venezuela, aiming to ensure protection and assistance for compatriots.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated on Saturday that he is continuously monitoring the situation in Venezuela, reaffirming concern about the challenging moment facing the Portuguese community.