(CARACAS, VENEZUELA) — Simón Bolívar International Airport has closed following back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s northern coast. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the closure alongside a state of emergency declaration, grounding flights and stranding travelers at the country’s main international gateway.

The earthquakes have killed at least 164 people and injured 971 others, according to the latest official figures. The twin quakes caused structural damage across multiple regions. La Guaira, the coastal state where the airport is located, ranks among the areas hit hardest.

Rodríguez confirmed that classes were canceled in several states as part of the emergency response. The state of emergency grants federal authorities expanded powers to direct resources, restrict movement, and coordinate recovery across affected zones. No timeline for lifting the measures has been announced.

Simón Bolívar International Airport, also known as Maiquetía, handles the vast majority of Venezuela’s commercial air traffic. It sits roughly 13 miles from central Caracas and serves as the country’s primary link to destinations across the Caribbean, North America, South America, and Europe. Its closure severs that connection until further notice.

Airlines operating in Venezuela have not yet published detailed rebooking or refund policies specific to the earthquake. Passengers with tickets on affected routes should contact their carriers directly for updates on cancellations, diversions, and rebooking options. Travelers holding reservations for the coming days should expect significant disruption.

The closure affects both domestic and international operations. Conviasa, Venezuela’s state-owned carrier, relies on Maiquetía as a hub for routes to cities including Porlamar, Maracaibo, and Puerto Ordaz. Those flights are suspended. International carriers serving Caracas face cancellations or diversions to alternate airports in the region.

Other Venezuelan airports, including Valencia’s Arturo Michelena International Airport and Maracaibo’s La Chinita International Airport, may remain operational. Their capacity to absorb displaced passengers from Caracas is limited, however. Neither offers the same volume of international connections as Maiquetía.

Neighboring countries have airports that could absorb diverted flights. Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago and José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín, Colombia, are among the regional alternatives. Whether any Venezuelan-bound flights have been diverted there remains unconfirmed.

The damage extends well beyond the airport perimeter. Reports from La Guaira describe collapsed structures, cracked roads, and disrupted utilities. Multiple states have filed damage reports with the federal government. The full extent of destruction remains unclear as assessment teams continue surveying affected regions.

Travelers currently in Venezuela face mounting logistical challenges. Ground transportation between Caracas and La Guaira may be compromised by road damage from the quakes. Power outages throughout the northern coastal region could disrupt communication networks, banking systems, and fuel distribution. Fuel shortages could further complicate any attempt to arrange ground transport to alternate airports.

Venezuela’s aviation sector has weathered repeated disruptions in recent years. Political instability, economic crisis, sanctions, and aging infrastructure have all taken a toll on the country’s air travel network. Several international carriers previously suspended or reduced service to Venezuela during the country’s prolonged economic downturn. Those that maintained routes did so at reduced frequencies. This closure further strains an already limited network.

Travelers with existing reservations should check whether their itinerary includes travel insurance through their credit card or loyalty program. Premium travel cards often include trip cancellation and interruption coverage that may apply in natural disaster scenarios. Award tickets booked with frequent flyer miles may qualify for fee-free redeposit once the airline issues a formal travel waiver. Coverage terms and claim procedures vary by issuer. Document all expenses related to the disruption, including hotel stays, meals, and alternate transportation.

If you have upcoming travel to Venezuela, consider postponing non-essential trips until authorities confirm the airport has reopened and structural safety assessments are complete. Monitor updates from Rodríguez’s office and Venezuela’s civil aviation authority for the latest operational status. Keep all travel documentation in case you need to file insurance claims or request refunds.