The Venezuelan government says it is working to reopen the country’s main international airport for commercial flights as soon as possible following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck on June 24, leaving at least 3,685 people dead.
According to the latest official figures, the death toll from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes has reached 3,685. The government has not provided an estimate of the number of missing people, while the United Nations has suggested the figure could be as high as 50,000. Other estimates put the number at around 10,000.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced that authorities had activated an emergency plan to restore commercial operations using an alternative runway at the country’s main international airport.
Displaced people wait in line for food at a makeshift shelter run by the United Nations (UN) at the Jose Maria Vargas Sports Complex, in the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes, in La Guaira, Venezuela, July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Marian Carrasquero
Airport Recovery Underway
The Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves the capital, Caracas, suffered extensive damage during the earthquakes. The airport is located in the coastal region that was hit hardest by the disaster, where dozens of buildings were completely destroyed and hundreds more sustained severe structural damage.
Authorities say restoring commercial air traffic is a priority to support relief efforts and accelerate the recovery of the affected region.
Rescue Efforts Wind Down
Heavy machinery continues clearing debris in the devastated coastal areas, while international search-and-rescue teams are gradually leaving after finding no further signs of survivors more than two weeks after the disaster.
Displaced people speak with aid workers at a makeshift shelter run by the United Nations (UN) at the Jose Maria Vargas Sports Complex, in the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes, in La Guaira, Venezuela, July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Marian Carrasquero
More than 16,000 people have been left homeless, according to government figures, with many now living in temporary shelters.
One resident, 31-year-old Estefani Suárez, said she and her two children have been forced to live in a tent after their home was declared unsafe. Speaking at an aid distribution center, she described shortages in local supermarkets while acknowledging that emergency assistance, including beds, had begun reaching survivors.
International Assistance Continues
U.S. military aircraft are carrying out humanitarian flights to the affected area using a temporarily operational section of the airport’s runway.
Rodríguez said Venezuela is in contact with countries willing to assist with repairs to the airport but did not identify them.
People search for missing family members, in the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes, in La Guaira, July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa
U.S. officials also confirmed discussions with American airlines regarding the eventual resumption of commercial flights once infrastructure repairs are completed.
According to U.S. military officials, approximately 2,000 American personnel have been deployed to support humanitarian operations, including air traffic management and cargo transportation. A U.S. Navy amphibious ship has also arrived in the region to assist with aid distribution.
The United Nations estimates that the twin earthquakes caused approximately $6.7 billion in damage—equivalent to around 6% of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.
