TAP airline to resume flights to Venezuela with 8.7 tons of medical material

TAP Air Portugal is set to resume its flights to Venezuela on Monday, July 13, following a suspension that began after earthquakes struck the country on June 24. The airline announced that its inaugural flight will transport 8.7 tons of essential medical supplies intended for humanitarian assistance to the earthquake-affected population.

Initially, the flights will operate to the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, located in the state of Carabobo. This temporary measure is in place while repairs continue at the Maiquetía International Airport, which sustained damage from the seismic activity. The shipment of medical supplies is being coordinated in collaboration with the Portuguese government and its Ministry of Health.

The humanitarian aid effort is being managed by the Camões Institute. TAP has allocated cargo capacity to support the emergency response. For operational reasons, the flights will include a technical stop in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, where crews will remain. No personnel or aircraft are scheduled to stay in Venezuelan territory.

Portugal has been actively supporting Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes. Earlier, the Portuguese government dispatched a search and rescue team from the National Operational Force (Focon) to assist in victim recovery and first aid. This was followed by a second phase focused on humanitarian aid, including hygiene and sanitation supplies, ambulances donated by the Portuguese Red Cross, and tools for debris removal. Additionally, approximately 400,000 euros have been allocated to emergency projects managed by the Camões Institute through Caritas Portuguesa and Oikos.