Venezuela: Maiquetia International Airport to Resume Commercial Operations on September 1
The Maiquetia International Airport Institute (IAIM) announced on Tuesday that commercial operations will resume on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the temporary terminals established at Simon Bolivar International Airport (IAIM), Venezuela’s primary aviation hub.
In an official statement, IAIM emphasized that this operational restart was made possible by a reconstruction process executed under high quality standards and state-of-the-art technology.
Technical Background: Earthquakes and Operational Impact
Commercial operations at the country’s main airport hub have been suspended since June 24, 2026. On that date, a dual earthquake impacted the airport’s infrastructure, forcing a grounding of flight activity to conduct necessary engineering evaluations and structural repairs.
To mitigate the impact on air transport and enable a progressive reactivation of passenger throughput while permanent works progress, IAIM installed temporary modular structures across the airport’s parking facilities.
Temporary Modular Capacity Breakdown
| Functional Area | Estimated Surface Area | Operational Capacity | Equipment / Gates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Departures | Over 3,300 m² | 480 passengers | 3 boarding gates |
| International Departures | Approx. 4,300 m² | 780 passengers | 4 boarding gates |
| Arrivals (Shared Area) | Approx. 2,550 m² + adjacent area | N/A | Common arrival area |
| Combined Estimated Capacity | — | > 1,260 simultaneous passengers | 30% of pre-earthquake capacity |
Services, Certifications, and Passenger Protocols
The provisional facilities are equipped with air conditioning, restrooms, emergency medical care, Wi-Fi connectivity, electronic device charging stations, vending machines, and full accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).
Since mid-August, IAIM has conducted multiple operational trials and pilot tests involving direct participation from airlines and hundreds of aviation workers. Although the initial partial restart date was slated for August 24, it was postponed following technical evaluations. Ahead of the revised operational timeline, several air carriers had already reopened ticket sales in their booking systems for flights starting September 1.
Operational Recommendations for Passengers
- Airline Verification: IAIM urges travelers to contact their airlines directly to confirm rescheduled flights operating out of the temporary terminals.
- Check-in and Access Flows: Passengers must verify check-in details, access points, and recommended arrival times, as terminal entry routes and passenger processing flows will differ from those of the main terminal building.
- Information Tracking: Users are strongly advised to monitor official IAIM channels and social media outlets for upcoming announcements and travel advisories.
The commissioning of the temporary terminals at Simon Bolivar International Airport (IAIM) marks the initial phase in restoring commercial air traffic servicing the city of Caracas.
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