The Daily Journal.- Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía will resume operations for between 30% and 33% of international flights starting September 1. Transportation Minister Francisco Garcés confirmed that authorities will reopen the airport gradually while repair work continues on facilities damaged by the earthquakes that struck on June 24.
Before the earthquakes damaged the facilities, the airport handled approximately 75% of Venezuela’s domestic and international flight capacity. Authorities have kept it closed for two months and temporarily transferred some operations to airports in Valencia, Barcelona and Maracay.
Garcés explained that authorities initially aim to resume this volume of operations through temporary terminals installed in the parking areas, with air-conditioned spaces, internet access, restrooms and check-in counters. They will then gradually increase operations until the airport returns to full service.
The official clarified that the previously announced August 24 reopening did not come from an official source. Authorities postponed the date to complete the necessary testing and adjustments to basic services. He also explained that airlines already have their corresponding landing and takeoff slots for the scheduled reopening date. Passengers will check in at the temporary counters and then board buses that will take them to the runway to board their aircraft.
LASER Airlines becomes the only airline to announce resumption of operations at Maiquetía
To date, LASER Airlines remains the only domestic carrier to officially announce that it will resume international operations under the new system at the country’s main airport. The company said that starting September 1, it will operate its routes to Madrid, Miami and Santo Domingo through the temporary facilities. The airline will continue operating its Barcelona-Bogotá route from General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
