Maiquetía Reopens to Passengers on Monday, at About a Third of Capacity
Venezuela · TRAVEL
Key Facts
- —Reopening date Monday 24 August 2026
- —Initial capacity about 35% to 40%
- —Cause of closure earthquakes on 24 June 2026
- —Disrupted flights more than 110 scheduled passenger flights
- —Contingency hub Arturo Michelena International Airport at Valencia
Passenger flights return to Venezuela’s main gateway next week, but the restart is gradual and uses temporary facilities.
Maiquetía reopens to passengers on Monday, 24 August 2026, after a two-month closure caused by earthquakes. The restart is partial and phased, so expect temporary facilities and about 35% to 40% of normal capacity.
What Is Happening
Simon Bolivar International Airport at Maiquetía, the gateway to Caracas, begins taking passenger flights again on Monday 24 August 2026. The restart is partial and phased, not a full reopening.
Capacity is initially about 35% to 40%, using temporary facilities. IAIM, the airport authority, authorised gradual operations from 24 August, according to a Venezuelan outlet that reported on 26 July 2026.
Exact Dates and Times
The airport reopens for passenger flights on Monday 24 August 2026. No specific flight times have been published, so check with your airline for exact schedules.
Aviation trade coverage dated 6 August 2026 reported a phased passenger restart around 24 August. Normal operations are expected by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, regional aviation press confirmed on 17 August that the airport would use temporary infrastructure at about 35% capacity.
What to Do
If you have a flight booked through Maiquetía, contact your airline. Ask whether it is still scheduled or has been diverted.
During the closure, travellers were told flights were cancelled or diverted, notably to Valencia, and to contact their airline about changes. Because the restart is gradual, arrive early and be patient with temporary check-in and boarding areas.
In addition, keep an eye on official NOTAMs, which are the bulletins airlines and pilots use for airport closures and hazards.
Getting There
Maiquetía sits on the coast in Vargas state, below Caracas, which is inland and higher up. The two are linked by a motorway through the mountains.
However, no journey times or costs between Maiquetía and Caracas have been verified, so plan accordingly. After the earthquakes, the main runway, numbered 10R and 28L, was cracked, and the terminal and control tower were damaged.
Who Is Affected
The closure disrupted more than 110 scheduled passenger flights, affecting travellers who had planned to fly through Maiquetía. Major carriers including LATAM and Copa rerouted their Venezuela services to Arturo Michelena International Airport at Valencia.
Valencia handled about 64 international flights a week as a contingency hub during the closure. As a result, many passengers were rerouted there.
If you were one of them, check whether your return now goes through Maiquetía.
What It Means for Residents
For residents of Caracas and the nearby coast, this reopening means easier access to international flights again, although at reduced capacity. Still, the phased restart means you may face longer waits and temporary facilities.
Normal operations are expected by the end of the year, according to aviation trade coverage. Therefore, if you plan to travel soon, book early and confirm your airline’s schedule.
Tips for Travelers
Before heading to Maiquetía, verify your flight status with your airline, as schedules may change. Also, consider arriving earlier than usual to account for temporary check-in processes.
Because capacity is limited to about 35% to 40%, flights may be fuller, so book seats in advance if possible. Moreover, keep your airline’s contact information handy in case of last-minute changes.
Background of the Closure
Commercial passenger operations were suspended after earthquakes on 24 June 2026. The quakes cracked the main runway and damaged the terminal and the control tower.
An initial NOTAM extended the runway closure to at least 2 July 2026. Later, only limited humanitarian and military flights were allowed, so this reopening marks a significant step.
What Comes Next for Maiquetía
While Maiquetía reopens to passengers on Monday, it is not fully open yet. Expect gradual increases in capacity over the coming months.
By the end of the year, normal operations are expected, according to aviation trade coverage. Until then, stay flexible and check for updates from your airline or the airport authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Maiquetía reopen to passengers?
Maiquetía reopens on Monday, 24 August 2026. The restart is partial, so expect about 35% to 40% of normal capacity.
Will my flight be affected if I booked through Maiquetía?
Contact your airline to confirm. During the closure, flights were cancelled or diverted to Valencia, so check if your flight has been rescheduled.
Are there any special requirements for entering Venezuela?
No specific entry rules related to this reopening have been published. Check with your airline or embassy for general requirements.
How long will the partial capacity last?
Normal operations are expected by the end of 2026, according to aviation trade coverage. The airport will use temporary facilities until then.
Connected Coverage
Sources: IAIM; Venezuelan and regional aviation press.
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