Story Updated on Monday, June 29, 2026
Following massive damage from two devastating earthquakes on June 24th, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas issued an official statement regarding travel in and out of the country:
“We are monitoring the situation in Venezuela closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety,” the statement read in part. The Embassy also provided the following information on airlift.
Departing Venezuela
Commercial Flights:
- Travelers experiencing flight interruptions from Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas (CCS) should contact their airlines for the latest information regarding rescheduled flights.
- International flights from Valencia, Barquisimeto, Barcelona and Maracaibo continue.
- While the Department of State cannot recommend for or against any particular airline, travelers should be aware of Copa or Avianca flight availability out of Venezuela.
- Copa:
- Flights to and from Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas (CCS) have been temporarily suspended until at least July 2 and subject to evolving operational conditions.
- Copa Airlines has scheduled additional flights between Valencia, Venezuela, and Panama City through July 2.
- Avianca:
- Avianca launched service between Bogota and Valencia.
- Avianca will operate both scheduled and additional charter flights using Airbus A320 aircraft, providing an alternative gateway for travelers wishing to depart. Passengers booked on the Caracas–Bogota route will be contacted directly with instructions on how to travel via Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia.
In addition to carrying passengers, Avianca said it will transport rescue workers and medical personnel in coordination with humanitarian organizations, including the Colombian Red Cross and the Colombian Civil Air Patrol, to support emergency response efforts in Venezuela.
The airline is also offering affected travelers flexible rebooking options, including complimentary date changes, alternative routing via Cucuta or Riohacha, and refunds for unused tickets on travel scheduled between June 24 and July 15, 2026.
Avianca said the temporary Bogota-Valencia service was established in coordination with Colombian and Venezuelan authorities as part of its effort to maintain connectivity while supporting humanitarian operations during the ongoing emergency.
In addition to air disruptions, Venezuela’s rail services have been temporarily cancelled.
ORIGINAL STORY
The closure of Simon Bolivar International Airport (CCS) following Wednesday’s earthquakes disrupted more than 110 scheduled passenger flights on Thursday, cutting off Venezuela’s primary domestic and international gateway at the start of a full day of operations.
Authorities closed the airport—set just north of Caracas—after reporting earthquake damage and said structural and operational assessments are ongoing. No reopening timeline had been announced at press time.
The disruption extends well beyond a handful of international flights. Service from Panama City, Bogota, Miami, Madrid, Istanbul, Sao Paulo and numerous domestic destinations were affected, with airlines including Copa, Avianca, American Airlines, Turkish Airlines and others canceling or diverting flights. Copa has also issued a travel advisory for passengers flying to, from or through Caracas.
Several carriers have introduced flexible travel policies. Avianca is allowing passengers booked between June 24 and July 1 to rebook without penalty, reroute through Cucuta or request a refund.
Impact on Advisors & Future Travel
For advisors with clients traveling to Venezuela, the closure could affect arrivals, departures and connections throughout the region. Travelers should check directly with their airline before departing for the airport and monitor carrier updates as inspections continue.
Videos from inside the terminal show ceiling damage, fallen panels and debris, though authorities have not yet released a full assessment of airport infrastructure. Even if runways remain usable, commercial flights cannot resume until passenger facilities, security systems and emergency operations are confirmed safe.
The closure comes just as Caracas had begun rebuilding international air service after years of limited connectivity. American Airlines resumed Miami-Caracas service in April, United Airlines had planned to restart Houston service in August, and several Latin American and European carriers had expanded operations in recent months.
That makes a prolonged closure more significant than a typical airport disruption. Beyond the immediate travel delays, it temporarily interrupts one of Venezuela’s key links to North America, Latin America and Europe. For advisors with clients planning to visit the region, flexibility and close coordination with airline partners will be essential until authorities announce a reopening date.
Venezuela Ministry of Tourism: mintur.gob.ve
