Venezuela routes flights to Valencia after Maiquetía airport closure

The Venezuelan government dismissed claims that the United States controls the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, labeling the reports as fake under the hashtag #EsFake.

A series of powerful earthquakes on 24 June 2026 (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) devastated parts of the country, killing more than 1,700 people, injuring thousands, and leaving tens of thousands missing. The damage forced the closure of the Maiquetía airport, halting all commercial operations.

Airlines including Air Europa, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Plus Ultra and Wingo reprogrammed or added routes to the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, using it as an alternative hub. Copa extended its contingency schedule through mid‑July, while Air Europa, Avianca and Plus Ultra announced new flight dates, flexible ticket policies and refunds for affected passengers.

Humanitarian crews from Spain, Portugal and other EU states arrived in Valencia to assist rescue efforts. A Spanish USAR brigade reported that three of twelve aid boxes were missing after being handed over to Venezuelan authorities.

These coordinated aviation adjustments aim to maintain connectivity between Venezuela and its international partners while the Maiquetía airport remains inoperable.