Venezuela moves to reopen Maiquetía airport after deadly June earthquakes

A series of magnitude‑7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, killing at least 3,600 people and leaving thousands homeless. The main international gateway, Simón Bolívar Airport in Maiquetía (La Guaira), suffered severe structural damage and was closed to commercial traffic.

Interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced via Telegram the activation of an “alternate plan” to resume commercial flights on a parallel runway at the airport “as soon as possible.” She also said an international alliance has been formed to recover the facility, though details were not disclosed.

U.S. military forces are assisting the recovery: roughly 2,000 troops, transport aircraft, and the amphibious ship USS Fort Lauderdale are supporting humanitarian flights, air‑traffic control and cargo operations. In the meantime, five regional airports – Arturo Michelena, José Antonio Anzoátegui, Santiago Mariño, Jacinto Lara and La Chinita – have been used to maintain limited international connectivity.

Airlines have been diverting services to other Venezuelan hubs while preparations continue for the eventual re‑opening of Maiquetía’s commercial operations.