Last updated: June 25, 2026, 9:00 PM UTC
Following the powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, travelers are asking whether it is safe to go to the country and whether flights are operating. The short answer as of June 25, 2026: Venezuela’s main international airport is closed, several governments are advising against travel, and non-essential trips should be postponed while emergency response continues.
Is it safe to travel to Venezuela right now?
Multiple governments are advising against travel to Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of the quakes. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory, Canada advises avoiding all travel, and Australia continues to advise “do not travel,” citing the earthquake damage on top of pre-existing security and economic concerns (sources: U.S. Embassy Caracas; Travel.gc.ca; Smartraveller, as of June 25, 2026). Travel guidance is changing quickly, so confirm your own government’s latest advisory before making any decision.
Is Caracas airport open?
No. Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), Venezuela’s main international gateway near Caracas, was closed after sustaining earthquake damage and remained closed on Thursday, June 25, 2026, pending safety inspections (sources: Airways Magazine; Al Jazeera, as of June 25, 2026). Airlines have reported widespread delays and cancellations while awaiting clearance from safety regulators. Do not travel to the airport without direct confirmation from your airline that your flight is operating.
What happened?
On the evening of June 24, 2026, a magnitude 7.2 foreshock was followed roughly 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, centered west of Caracas in northern Venezuela. The U.S. Geological Survey has described it as the country’s largest seismic event since 1900. More than 20 aftershocks have followed, and Venezuela’s interim government declared a state of emergency (sources: USGS; NPR; Al Jazeera, as of June 25, 2026).
Latest casualty figures
As of June 25, 2026, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly reported at least 188 people killed and more than 1,520 injured, with 157 people missing and roughly 200 feared trapped under some 250 collapsed or damaged buildings. Officials say the death toll is expected to rise as search-and-rescue operations continue (sources: CNN; Al Jazeera; NBC News, as of June 25, 2026). These figures are provisional and may change.
Was there a tsunami warning?
Yes, briefly. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami advisories for parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, shortly after the quakes. Those advisories were canceled later the same evening (sources: CBS News; Fox Weather, as of June 25, 2026). There is no active tsunami warning as of this update.
What about international aid?
The U.S. State Department said it has mobilized a disaster assistance response team and task force to coordinate aid with the interim Venezuelan government. Offers of assistance have come from governments including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay (source: reporting via ABC/AP, as of June 25, 2026).
If you are currently in Venezuela
Follow instructions from local authorities and remain alert for aftershocks. Stay away from damaged buildings, which may be structurally unsafe. Monitor your airline and your government’s embassy for updates, keep communication lines open with family, and have an emergency plan in case of further tremors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caracas airport open after the earthquake?
As of the latest sourced update on this page, Simón Bolívar International Airport / Maiquetía was reported closed pending safety inspections after earthquake damage. Airport status can change quickly, so travelers should confirm directly with their airline, the airport, and current government advisories before going to the airport.
Is Maiquetía / Simón Bolívar International Airport open?
Maiquetía and Simón Bolívar International Airport refer to Venezuela’s main international airport serving Caracas. If official sources or airlines announce reopening, travelers should still expect schedule disruptions, inspections, and possible delays while operations normalize.
Are flights to Venezuela canceled?
Many flights may be delayed, canceled, or rerouted when the main airport is closed or under safety review. Confirm your specific itinerary directly with the airline rather than relying on general status reports.
When will Caracas airport reopen?
A reopening timeline depends on safety inspections, operational readiness, airline schedules, and instructions from aviation authorities. Do not assume the airport has reopened until your airline and current official sources confirm your flight is operating.
Is it safe to travel to Venezuela after the earthquake?
Non-essential travel should be treated cautiously after a major earthquake, especially while aftershocks, damaged buildings, infrastructure disruptions, and emergency response operations continue. Check your government’s latest travel advisory, local authority guidance, and airline status before making plans.
Where should travelers check official updates?
Check your airline, the airport or civil aviation authority if available, your country’s embassy or consular alerts, and official government travel advisories. Because disaster conditions change quickly, use the most recent timestamped source before traveling.
All figures are attributed to the named sources and reflect the situation as of the “last updated” time above. Numbers are provisional and may change as authorities release new information.
