Caracas and Margarita Airports Have Potential to Attract Private Investment but Require Legal Certainty, Says ACI-LAC
The Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) pointed out that Venezuela possesses solid economic fundamentals at key airport facilities—such as Caracas and Margarita Island—to attract private operators, while warning that the absence of a regulatory framework providing legal certainty and deregulation hinders this realization.
Economic Fundamentals and International Operator Interest
Speaking to Bloomberg Línea during the global airport summit held in Lima, Peru, from September 28 to 29, ACI-LAC Director General Rafael Echevarne highlighted that Venezuelan air transport retains notable growth potential.
According to the executive, strategic gateways with sound financial fundamentals could generate interest among both regional and extra-regional investors:
- Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (Caracas).
- Margarita Island Airport.
Both airport facilities are currently managed by the state-owned enterprise Bolivariana de Aeropuertos (BAER). Although the government has not yet indicated an intention to transition their management under concession agreements, the airport organization views this alternative as a viable path for the industry’s development.
Legal Framework and Deregulation: Prerequisites for Private Investment
Despite the appeal of these facilities, Echevarne emphasized that in order to effectively secure the interest and engagement of private operators, legislation that guarantees legal certainty is essential.
Furthermore, he stressed that for the country to regain the leading role it once held in commercial aviation, moving toward a deregulated, liberalized environment is critical.
Operational Recovery and Regional Outlook
Against the regional leadership of markets such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia in passenger throughput, Venezuela emerges as a market capable of driving air transport growth across the region once current transient constraints are addressed:
- Infrastructure Impact: Facilities sustained severe damage resulting from the earthquakes on June 24, 2026.
- Technical Support: ACI-LAC is currently providing technical assistance to support the progressive recovery and resumption of flight operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía.
- Demand and Passenger Traffic: While current passenger traffic remains subdued due to preceding economic headwinds, the potential for commercial expansion remains intact.
ACI-LAC’s Director General concluded that, despite the modest traffic figures currently logged by the nation, the growth opportunities for the airport industry are undeniable. Consequently, the organization’s objective is to foster the necessary technical and institutional conditions to allow these opportunities to materialize.
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