Margarita Island's flights cut and housing demand rise after June 24 quakes

Following the June 24 earthquakes that struck Venezuela, air connectivity to Margarita Island has fallen to less than half of normal levels. The closure of Maiquetía International Airport reduced weekly flights to about 50, down from the usual 100-plus, prompting airlines to reroute services through secondary airports in Valencia, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, El Vigía, Puerto Ordaz, Maturín and Barcelona. Tony de Abreu, president of the Nueva Esparta State Tourism Chamber, said the airport shutdown “affects more than 50 % of the visits we normally receive.”

At the same time, the island’s real‑estate market is experiencing a surge in demand. Luis Alejandro Fermín, president of the Nueva Esparta Real Estate Chamber, reported a 20 % increase in rental activity as families displaced by the quakes look for low‑rise, stable housing. Prospective residents are favoring rentals over purchases, citing psychological and economic impacts of the disaster and a preference for safer, less densely built environments.