Last updated: August 28, 2026. On August 25 the IAIM confirmed that Maiquetía’s commercial reopening will be September 1, 2026, not the August 24 date projected when this guide was written. The temporary terminals described here are the ones entering service on that date. The airline-by-airline schedule is in our article “Maiquetía reopens on September 1: airlines and routes from alternate airports”.
Maiquetía is preparing a provisional operation to gradually restore passenger traffic while repairs continue in its main facilities. The new plan adds detail to the so-called “field airport”: the expected size, gates, and capacity of the temporary areas are now known.
This update consolidates the same contingency process that began after the June 24 earthquakes. It does not mean every flight moved to Valencia, Barcelona, or another airport will automatically return to Caracas on the same day.
What has been confirmed about the temporary terminals
The IAIM reported on August 12 that the provisional infrastructure will include separate departure and arrival areas with domestic and international passenger flows.
| Temporary area | Announced infrastructure | Reported capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic departures | More than 3,300 m² and three boarding gates. | Up to 480 passengers at one time. |
| International departures | Approximately 4,300 m² and four boarding gates. | Up to 780 passengers in waiting rooms. |
| Arrivals | A structure of roughly 2,550 m² divided between domestic and international flights, plus an adjacent 1,000 m² area. | The IAIM did not publish a total passenger figure for this area. |
The structures will use reinforced metal modules, interior partitions, and high-resistance coverings. The announced plan includes airport controls, waiting rooms, air conditioning, restrooms, medical services, wifi, charging points, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
How the passenger journey is expected to work
The tents and modular structures are being built in airport parking areas. According to El Pitazo, they will contain counters for check-in, flight confirmation, and baggage acceptance. Buses and service vehicles would move passengers and baggage between the temporary area and aircraft.
For international flights, the passenger flow must also coordinate immigration, customs, security, and baggage delivery. However, final access points, airport arrival times, companion restrictions, and the exact layout of each process have yet to be published. Do not assume passengers will use the same entrances as the regular terminal.
From the projected August 24 date to the September 1 reopening
When this guide was published, August 24, 2026 was the stated target for a partial commercial restart, along with a pilot test beginning August 17. That date moved: the IAIM set commercial reopening for September 1, 2026. The decisive information for each traveler is not only whether the airport opens, but whether their specific flight is confirmed.
| Item | Status as of August 28 |
|---|---|
| Temporary terminals | Under installation and operational preparation. |
| Reopening date | September 1, 2026, confirmed by the IAIM on August 25. It replaces the initially projected August 24. |
| Airlines in the first phase | The first confirmed routes are now known; the list is still expanding. |
| Schedules and frequencies | Each operator must publish or individually confirm them. |
| Passenger access | Final channels, entry points, and requirements must be confirmed before travel. |
What will happen to flights operating from Valencia?
Valencia (VLN) and other alternate airports have absorbed part of the operation displaced from Maiquetía. CCS reopening partially does not mean every schedule will move immediately: provisional capacity will be limited, and airlines may temporarily distribute routes among several airports.
If your booking was moved to Valencia, Barcelona, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, or Maracay, continue treating that airport as valid until you receive a formal update. Do not separately purchase ground transportation or change connections based only on the tentative reopening date.
What to confirm before managing a booking
- Exact airport: check the CCS, VLN, BLA, BRM, MAR, or MYC code on every segment.
- Airline confirmation: check your email, app, service center, and flight status.
- Terminal and access: ask about the entrance, airport arrival time, and companion rules.
- Baggage: confirm where bags will be accepted and collected, as well as your ticket's allowance.
- Immigration and documents: verify destination and transit-country requirements.
- Ground transportation: book it only after confirming the final airport.
- Changes or protection: ask which options apply to your fare before issuing a new ticket.
A gradual reopening, not an immediate return to normal
The temporary terminals are a concrete step and may support more passengers than the earliest plans contemplated. However, limitations will continue while permanent facilities are repaired and airline schedules stabilize.
At CAMF Travel, we can help you review the airport shown on your booking, available alternatives, and itinerary connections. Each flight's authorization and operation remain the responsibility of the airport and airline. Message us on WhatsApp with your route, date, and number of travelers.