The Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía, Venezuela’s main airport serving Caracas, announced that commercial flight operations will resume on September 1 in temporary modular terminals following severe damage from the June 24 earthquakes. The phased restart comes nearly two months after seismic shocks struck the region of La Guaira, leaving at least 6,509 people dead and prompting the closure of the country’s main airport by acting president Delcy Rodríguez.
Temporary Terminals and Passenger Logistics
To facilitate the partial reopening while structural restoration of the main facility continues, aviation authorities have deployed modular metal structures equipped to handle both domestic and international traffic. According to the IAIM, the new setup features two designated departure zones and two arrival areas. Passengers have been instructed by the airport institute to maintain direct contact with their respective airlines to confirm flight rescheduling details and terminal assignments.
The international departure terminal spans 4,300 square meters, incorporating four boarding gates and a waiting area with a maximum capacity of 780 people. Facilities across the temporary structures include climate control, Wi-Fi connectivity, waiting lounges, vending machines, restrooms, medical services, charging stations, and ramps designed for travelers with reduced mobility. Ground transportation between the temporary terminals and the operational ramp will be managed via dedicated buses, alongside newly established short- and long-term parking areas.
Diverted Routes and Emergency Regional Hubs
In the wake of the June 24 disaster, acting president Delcy Rodríguez ordered the immediate closure of Maiquetía’s damaged facilities. In response, commercial carriers dispersed their operations to regional airports across the country. Many airlines shifted their Caracas-bound flights to Valencia, the capital of Carabobo state in the north, situated approximately 172 kilometers away by road. Other operators relocated services further east to Barcelona, the capital of Anzoátegui state, located 313 kilometers from Caracas.
While cargo aviation quietly resumed on August 5 as an initial step toward a broader recovery, passenger services remained entirely outside the capital region. Earlier, the acting administration announced an international partnership aimed at rebuilding the Maiquetía terminal, though officials have not yet disclosed specific details regarding the foreign actors or entities involved in the reconstruction effort.
