Maiquetía Airport resumes operations via temporary terminals after earthquakes

The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela, has resumed commercial operations using temporary terminals following devastating earthquakes on June 24. Transport Minister Francisco Garcés reported that the airport is currently operating at approximately 45% capacity.

The temporary facilities include a national terminal capable of holding 480 to 500 people and an international terminal with a capacity for 760 to 780 passengers. These structures were implemented to maintain 24-hour connectivity while work continues on the original damaged infrastructure. On the first day of reopening, the airport handled four international and seven national flights, serving over 2,400 total passengers.

Minister Garcés addressed rumors regarding the construction of a new airport in Caracas, stating that there is insufficient land in the city to accommodate a project of that magnitude. He noted that while the airport is recovering, it is not expected to reach 100% operational capacity within this year. Official projections suggest that 40% of the traditional terminal functions may be restored by November 2026. Participating airlines include Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Air Europa, and others.