Venezuela Earthquake Forces Closure of Maiquetía Airport and Suspends All Flights

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 25 June 2026

Flights to and from Caracas have been severely disrupted after earthquake damage forced the closure of Maiquetía Airport, suspending all domestic and international operations.

Venezuela Airport Closure Disrupts Flights to and from Caracas

Simón Bolívar International Airport has been shut following earthquake damage, leaving passengers with flights to and from Caracas facing significant disruption

Venezuela's main international airport has been forced to close after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on 24 June, suspending all flight operations and causing widespread travel disruption for passengers flying to and from South America.

Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves as the primary aviation gateway into Caracas, was shut down after sustaining damage during the earthquakes. Both domestic and international services have been suspended, with airlines and airport authorities yet to confirm when normal operations will resume.

All Flights to and from Caracas Suspended

The airport closure has brought all scheduled flight operations to a halt. Passengers with upcoming departures or arrivals through Maiquetía are facing cancellations and indefinite delays, with airlines yet to provide confirmed timelines for when services will restart.

Travellers are being strongly advised not to proceed to the airport until their airline has explicitly confirmed that their flight is operating and that the airport has reopened. Those travelling to Venezuela from the UK should contact their airline directly before making any journey to the departure gate.

Airlines Expected to Issue Flight Disruption Updates

Airlines operating routes to and from Venezuela are expected to release further updates as safety checks and damage assessments at Maiquetía airport are completed. Passengers should monitor communications from their carrier closely, as schedules remain subject to change and further cancellations are possible.

Those who have had flights cancelled should contact their airline regarding rebooking options, refunds or alternative routing where available. Travel insurance policies should also be reviewed, as the national emergency declaration in Venezuela may affect claims related to cancellation and disruption.

Caracas Transport Disrupted After Venezuela Earthquakes

Venezuela Declares National Emergency After Deadly Earthquakes

The airport closure comes after strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, causing damage to buildings, roads, and key infrastructure. Authorities have reported casualties and injuries, while emergency teams continue to assess the full impact across affected areas.

Damage to nearby roads, power disruption, and wider transport issues around Caracas have also made access to the airport more difficult. These conditions have added further challenges for airlines, airport staff, and ground handling teams working to manage the disruption.

FCDO Confirms Venezuelan Airports Temporarily Closed

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its official travel advice for Venezuela, confirming that international airports in the country are temporarily closed. British nationals in Venezuela are advised to follow all official guidance, stay in contact with their airline or travel provider, and monitor FCDO updates regularly.

UK travellers with upcoming flights to Venezuela should check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk before making any travel decisions.

What Passengers Should Do Now

Passengers with flights to or from Venezuela are urged to take the following steps: check flight status directly with their airline before travelling to any airport, avoid proceeding to the airport without confirmed operational updates, keep travel documents accessible, and monitor official airline and government channels as the situation develops.

Further disruption, extended closures, and additional cancellations remain likely in the coming days.

Crystal Travel's travel agents are available to assist any customers affected by the Maiquetía airport closure. Anyone with upcoming Venezuela flights is encouraged to get in touch before travelling to review their options.