Maiquetía airport's main runway closure extended to November

Aeronautical authorities have extended the partial closure and operational restrictions on the main runway (10L/28R) and six taxiways at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, La Guaira state, until November 3. This measure, formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), is a result of continuous road and structural repair work addressing damage sustained from the double earthquakes on June 24.

The extended closure comes before the planned reactivation of Venezuela's primary airport on August 24. The airport was significantly affected by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck the region, with La Guaira being the most impacted state. Damage affected various areas of the runway and the airport building, forcing the suspension of operations immediately after the seismic events. Authorities are working to progressively restore the infrastructure and services.

Guillermo De Armas, an aviation lawyer, shared the NOTAMs A0331/26 and A0332/26 on his X account, confirming the continued closure of runway 10L/28R and taxiways A, B, C, D, E, and F. A source from the aviation sector indicated that this decision should not alter the August reactivation schedule, explaining that the affected areas were already closed for maintenance before the earthquakes and subsequently suffered the most severe damage.

In parallel, Simón Bolívar International Airport resumed international cargo operations on Wednesday, receiving a flight from Panama. The Ministry of Transport announced this step as part of the gradual restoration of airport services. However, commercial passenger flights continue to be suspended.