LATAM opens temporary Bogota-Barcelona route amid Venezuela air emergency

LATAM Airlines Colombia has introduced a temporary flight route connecting Bogota, Colombia, with Barcelona in Venezuela's Anzoátegui state. This initiative aims to bolster air connectivity amid an ongoing emergency in Venezuela, exacerbated by earthquakes that occurred on July 24.

The new service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, throughout July. Flights depart from Bogota at 7:35 AM local time and return from Barcelona at 11:40 AM. This route offers a crucial transportation alternative, especially given the operational constraints at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves Caracas.

Erika Zarante, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, stated that the route is designed to strengthen Venezuela's connectivity during a period of uncertainty and logistical challenges stemming from the seismic activity that damaged the country's primary airport infrastructure.

In addition to the new route, LATAM has enacted a flexible commercial plan for passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the emergency. Those with flights scheduled between July 25 and July 31 can rebook their travel for up to a year without additional fees or penalties, request a full refund, or change their route to other destinations like Cúcuta, Riohacha, or Barcelona.

The airline advises passengers to monitor their flight status through official channels, including its website and mobile app, and has provided dedicated phone lines and instant messaging services for assistance.

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This new route seeks to strengthen Venezuela's connectivity in the face of uncertainty and logistical difficulties derived from the seismic movements that affected the country's main airport infrastructure.