Venezuela's main airport reopens with temporary modules two months after the earthquake

Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela's main air gateway, reopened on Tuesday after a double earthquake on June 24 destroyed its facilities two months prior. The airport resumed domestic and international operations, but not in the original terminal. Instead, passengers are accommodated in four temporary, air-conditioned shed-type modules near the car park, with boarding via buses.

Transport Minister Francisco Garcés stated these facilities are running at 70% capacity while maintaining international standards for passenger service. All airport services, including check-in, baggage handling, security, immigration, boarding, connectivity, toilets, and catering, are functioning. Eight flights were scheduled on the first day, four domestic and four international, with the first flight operating the Maiquetia-Valera route.

Debris from the earthquake damaged the runway, requiring repairs. Deputy Citizen Security Minister Endes Palencia reported deploying 600 security personnel to maintain order. The closure of the airport exacerbated the country's isolation during the emergency, as Maiquetia is a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

Over 16,000 people were injured, and 6,301 died in the earthquakes. The reconstruction of the terminal is still pending, with estimates suggesting completion in the first quarter of 2027, delayed from the initial end-of-year target.