Venezuela’s main airport ready to resume flights after earthquakes

Venezuela’s main airport says it is ready to reopen its temporary terminals after more than two months of closure caused by twin earthquakes.

Simón Bolívar International Airport, located in Maiquetía near Caracas, plans to resume domestic and international flights on Tuesday. The airport authority has asked passengers to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures, complete check-in in advance and confirm the departure terminal with their airline or travel agency.

Air Europa, Iberia, Plus Ultra, Copa Airlines, Avianca and LATAM Airlines Colombia are among the foreign carriers that have announced a return to the airport. The temporary facilities can accommodate 2,168 people, including 720 in international departures and 496 in international arrivals.

The airport authority said the modular metal structures will have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, waiting areas, vending machines, bathrooms, medical services, charging stations and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. Buses will carry passengers between the temporary facilities and the aircraft ramp. Short- and long-term parking will also be available.

The airport closed on June 24 after the earthquakes damaged its buildings. Airlines moved some operations to Valencia, 172 kilometers from Caracas by road, and others to Barcelona, 313 kilometers away. Cargo aviation resumed on Aug. 5 as part of a gradual reopening. The earthquakes left at least 6,509 people dead, according to the account.