Venezuela expects to recover "part" of Simón Bolívar Airport in Maiquetía, the main airport serving Caracas, during the first half of 2027. The announcement was made by the Minister of Transport, Francisco Garcés, in an interview with state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión on September 9. The structural damage was caused by a double earthquake that occurred on June 24.
The official explained that "very important works" are needed that will take several months, so the airport "will not be in service this year, not even partially." One of the airport's runways, located in the devastated region of La Guaira, north of Caracas, was "severely affected," as "the seismic fault passed through there," but it was possible to fully recover it and it is functioning properly.
Maiquetía Airport resumed operations on September 1 with temporary terminals, which allowed the restoration of 49% of domestic and 46% of international operations. Eighteen airlines are operating from the temporary terminals, including 11 international carriers such as Air Europa, Iberia, Plus Ultra, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca and LATAM Colombia. TAP continues to operate to Valencia Airport, with a stopover in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The temporary terminals have a capacity for 2,168 people.
Francisco Garcés guaranteed that the airport will be "much better" after the works, with enhanced international connectivity, in response to "interest from several foreign airlines" in operating in the country. The goal is to reach 60% of operations by the end of this year.
