Venezuela earthquakes shift flights to Valencia airport, spark UN aid request

On June 24, two strong earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) struck Venezuela, killing more than 3,600 people, injuring around 17,000 and leaving about 18,000 homeless. The quakes heavily damaged the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, forcing its temporary closure to commercial traffic. International airlines rerouted operations to the Arturo Michelena Airport in Valencia, increasing weekly international flights from 14 to over 60. The surge has caused congestion, with long queues and recommendations for passengers to arrive five to six hours before departure. Carriers now operating from Valencia include Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Avianca, TAP Air Portugal, Iberia, Air Europa, Plus Ultra, and several Venezuelan airlines.

The United Nations launched an urgent humanitarian appeal, seeking roughly $296 million to assist 1.3 million Venezuelans over six months, adding to an existing $632 million aid plan. UN officials also urged the release of frozen Venezuelan assets abroad to finance reconstruction. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced plans to reopen a parallel runway at Maiquetía and coordinated temporary camps for earthquake‑affected families. Damage to the country is estimated at $6.7 billion, about 6 % of Venezuela’s GDP.