Long queues, anxiety grip Valencia Airport as Maiquetía operations diverted

Valencia Airport in Venezuela is experiencing severe disruptions, with passengers facing extensive queues, anxiety, and prolonged delays. The chaos stems from the diversion of international flights from Maiquetía Airport near Caracas to Valencia's Arturo Michelena International Airport. This shift occurred because of a seismic emergency that halted operations at Maiquetía, forcing hundreds of travelers from across the country to converge on Valencia.

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This is a horror. There should have been more organization. People have been queuing since 5:00 am, and officials only start arriving at 9:00 or 9:30 am. It makes no sense to tell you to come six hours early, because people get anxious and end up arriving up to eight hours early for fear of missing the flight.

The sudden influx of passengers has exposed the limitations of Valencia Airport, which was built for a much lower demand. Travelers are enduring hours of waiting in outdoor areas, often under temporary tarpaulin structures to shield them from the elements. Airline and air security personnel are struggling to cope with the contingency, leading to widespread frustration.

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If I could have canceled the trip, I would have. But it was a planned trip and I couldn't cancel it. We come from Caracas and it's already a two-hour drive to get here. Then you find yourself in this situation.

Passengers have voiced strong criticism regarding the management of the situation. Daniel Rangel, traveling to Madrid, described the scene as "a horror," pointing out the late arrival of officials and the seemingly illogical requirement for passengers to arrive hours before their flights. The lack of priority boarding or assistance for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, has further exacerbated the difficult conditions. Marianela Poleo, a 77-year-old passenger en route to Bogotá, expressed her distress, highlighting the long journey from Caracas and the absence of any support for seniors at the ticketing counters or within the terminal.

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I have 77 years and there is no help here for the elderly. Nobody tells you to go ahead or explains anything. This is horrible. There is a police officer who more or less tries to maintain order, but it is not enough.