New Fee at Valencia Airport: Amounts, Who Pays, and Who is Exempt

Passengers traveling through Venezuela's Arturo Michelena International Airport in Carabobo state are now subject to a new fee for specialized passenger facilitation services. This charge, linked to the use of airport infrastructure and services, amounts to 5 euros for domestic flights and 25 euros for international journeys. The fee is billed in bolivars, calculated using the official exchange rate at the time of ticket issuance.

The payment applies to both arriving and departing passengers. The tariff is regulated by the Autonomous Institute of Airports of Carabobo state and adheres to national transportation regulations. Exemptions are provided for transit or connecting passengers, children under two years old, and other travelers as stipulated by Venezuelan legislation or international agreements, according to Notitarde.

This type of charge is common in other countries, often included in the ticket price. However, at the Valencia airport, it must be paid separately for the services rendered. The airport has become a major hub for international air traffic in Venezuela after the suspension of flights at Maiquetía's Simón Bolívar Airport, a measure implemented after earthquakes on June 24. This relocation significantly increased passenger flow, necessitating enhanced connectivity from other cities. Valencia airport's operations have surged from 14 international flights weekly to over 60, straining its infrastructure and causing delays.