CARACAS — After nearly ten weeks of total shutdown, Simón Bolívar International Airport – Venezuela’s primary gateway – has launched a limited phase of commercial operations. A temporary terminal built from metal structures now serves passengers in the airport’s parking lot while crews repair the damaged runways, control tower and passenger facilities.
Temporary terminal details
The makeshift building covers roughly 10,000 square meters (about 108,000 square feet) and can handle up to 2,168 travelers each day. Inside, passengers find check‑in counters, air‑conditioned waiting areas, free Wi‑Fi, medical services and restrooms. Buses shuttle travelers between the temporary terminal and aircraft on the runway.
Government outlook
Transportation Minister Francisco Garcés told reporters the airport hopes to recover 25 % of its pre‑quake capacity in this initial phase. He added that the goal is to reach 40 % within a few months and 60 % by the end of the year or early next year. Garcés said international aviation authorities have inspected the site and certified the restart as safe.
Impact on the region
The airport sits about 20 km (12 mi) north of Caracas in the Maiquetía area of La Guaira state, a region still reeling from the June 24 earthquakes that measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. The quakes caused severe damage across Caracas and the central‑western states of Carabobo, Miranda, Aragua and Yaracuy, leaving more than 6,500 dead and roughly 17,900 people homeless.
La Guaira, Venezuela’s second‑smallest state, is home to the airport and the country’s second‑largest port. Its 440,000 residents rely heavily on tourism, commerce and airport‑related jobs, making the partial reopening a vital step toward economic recovery.
Airlines returning
Initial service includes seven domestic and four international round‑trip flights operated by Copa Airlines of Panama and Air Europa of Spain. Additional carriers, such as Spain’s Iberia, are slated to join in the coming days.
Until this week, all international flights were diverted to smaller airports in Carabobo and Anzoátegui states, located 168 km (104 mi) and 314 km (195 mi) from Caracas respectively. The new temporary terminal reduces travel time for passengers and eases the logistical burden on those alternate airports.
Looking ahead
Officials stress that the temporary facility is only the first step. Ongoing reconstruction will focus on restoring the main runway, control tower and permanent passenger buildings. The government hopes the gradual increase in capacity will support the region’s recovery and restore confidence for airlines and travelers alike.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
