Venezuela’s main airport partially resumes commercial flights after deadly earthquakes

Venezuela's primary airport, Simón Bolívar International, partially resumed commercial flights on Tuesday, nearly ten weeks after a series of devastating earthquakes struck the South American nation. The temporary facility, constructed from metal structures in the parking lot of the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, La Guaira state, is capable of accommodating 2,168 passengers per day.

The airport, located approximately 12 miles north of Caracas, was forced to close following severe damage to its runways, control tower, and passenger facilities during the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes of June 24, which claimed over 6,500 lives and left approximately 17,900 people homeless.

Transportation Minister Francisco Garcés expressed optimism about the resumption of operations, stating that the airport aims to recover 25% of its pre-earthquake capacity. He added that ongoing efforts will gradually increase these capacities to 40% in a few months and 60% by the end of the year or the beginning of the next year. Garcés confirmed that the resumption of operations has been verified by international organizations that conducted the necessary inspections.