Avianca has resumed flights between Colombia and Venezuela by temporarily switching its operations from Caracas to Valencia after earthquake damage forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The Colombian carrier is now operating its Bogotá service through Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia, about 170 km (105 miles) west of Caracas.
The temporary arrangement follows two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, damaging infrastructure around the capital and forcing the suspension of operations at the country's main international gateway.
In addition to scheduled flights, Avianca will operate extra charter services using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 180 seats to help move stranded passengers.
The flights are also carrying rescue workers and medical personnel in coordination with humanitarian organizations, including the Colombian Red Cross and the Colombian Civil Air Patrol, to support emergency operations in Venezuela.
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Passengers booked on the Bogotá-Caracas route are being contacted directly and offered the option of traveling through Valencia instead. Customers whose travel plans are affected between June 24 and July 15 may also change their travel dates through Aug. 31, switch their itinerary to Cúcuta or Riohacha without additional charges, or request a refund for unused tickets.
The move makes Avianca one of the first airlines to restore scheduled service to Venezuela after the earthquakes, although flights continue to use an alternate airport while authorities assess damage and recovery work continues at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía.
