DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ช Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

Airlines adjust operations and activate flexibility after Venezuela earthquakes

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • International airlines are adjusting operations to and from Venezuela following a recent earthquake, offering flexibility to affected passengers.
  • Avianca has extended its protection measures for passengers traveling between Bogotรก and Caracas, providing options for rescheduling, rerouting, or full refunds.
  • Iberia has temporarily suspended its flights to Caracas until July 1 due to reported damage at Simรณn Bolรญvar International Airport, prioritizing operational safety.

Several international airlines have modified their flight schedules and implemented flexible policies for passengers traveling to and from Venezuela in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck the country.

Avianca has extended its passenger protection measures for those with active bookings on the Bogotรกโ€“Caracasโ€“Bogotรก route between June 24 and July 1, 2026. The airline aims to support customers impacted by the emergency by offering three cost-free alternatives: rescheduling flights until August 31, 2026, without penalties or fare differences (subject to availability); changing the route to or from Cรบcuta or Riohacha at no extra charge; or receiving a full refund for unused portions of the ticket.

The travelers will be able to access, at no additional cost, three alternatives: rescheduling the trip until August 31, 2026, without penalty or fare difference subject to availability; change of route to or from Cรบcuta or Riohacha at no additional cost; or full refund of the unused legs.

โ€” AviancaDetailing the flexible options offered to affected passengers.

Iberia has announced a temporary suspension of its flights between Madrid and Caracas, effective until July 1. This decision stems from damage reported at the Simรณn Bolรญvar International Airport, which serves Venezuela's capital. The airline cited the need to ensure the safety of passengers and crew amid concerns over the airport's infrastructure integrity.

The company explained that the measure responds to the need to guarantee the safety of passengers and crews in the face of the deterioration of airport infrastructures, while expressing its solidarity with the victims and those affected by the earthquake.

โ€” IberiaExplaining the reason for suspending flights to Caracas.

Iberia stated that its technical teams will assess the airport's logistical and safety situation after the suspension period to resume operations as soon as feasible. The airline has also activated a contingency plan offering commercial flexibility options for affected passengers, including flight reassignments and alternative travel arrangements. Iberia operates four weekly flights on the Madrid-Maiquetรญa route, all of which are currently canceled as a precautionary measure.

Both airlines are advising passengers to monitor their flight status through official channels and stay informed about any further updates as the situation evolves.

Iberia pointed out that, once the suspension period is over, its technical teams will evaluate the logistical and safety situation of the airport in order to resume operations as soon as possible.

โ€” IberiaOutlining the plan for resuming operations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.