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Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport

Maiquetía, Venezuela

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CCSlarge airport

Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport

Maiquetía, Venezuela
Explore Maiquetía city guide Navigate to this airport
90
Routes out
47
Destinations
SVMI
ICAO
234 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Venezuela's primary international gateway on the Caribbean coast.

Opened
1945
Location
Maiquetía, Venezuela
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport is the main international airport serving Caracas and the surrounding region of Venezuela. Located in the coastal city of Maiquetía in La Guaira state, it sits approximately 25 kilometers north of the capital city along the Caribbean shoreline. The airport has historically been the busiest in Venezuela, handling the majority of the country's international passenger traffic. It serves as the hub for Conviasa, Venezuela's state-owned carrier, as well as other domestic airlines. Despite its strategic importance, operations have been significantly affected by Venezuela's ongoing economic crisis, leading to reduced international service in recent years. The airport is named after Simón Bolívar, the South American liberator, reflecting national pride in Venezuela's historical heritage. It features two main terminal buildings handling domestic and international flights respectively.
Terminals
The airport operates two main terminal buildings: one dedicated to international flights and one for domestic operations.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and central Caracas includes taxis, private transfers, and por puesto shared vehicles along the coastal highway, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.
Airlines here
Conviasa serves as the primary hub carrier, with various international airlines including American Airlines, Iberia, and others operating reduced schedules.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after South American independence hero Simón Bolívar.
  • ›Located on a narrow coastal strip between the Caribbean Sea and steep Ávila mountain range.
  • ›Historically the busiest airport in Venezuela by passenger volume.
  • ›Economic and political crises in Venezuela have led to a sharp decline in international airline routes since the mid-2010s.
  • ›The airport's IATA code CCS corresponds to Caracas, the nearby capital city it primarily serves.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Venezuela's gateway where the Caribbean coast meets Andean skies

Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport, opened in 1945 and expanded significantly through subsequent decades, serves as Venezuela's primary international hub located on a narrow coastal strip between the Caribbean Sea and the Ávila mountain range. Named after the South American liberator Simón Bolívar, it handles the vast majority of the country's international air traffic connecting Caracas to the world. Despite economic challenges affecting Venezuela in recent years, the airport remains the critical entry and exit point for the nation.

Terminals
  • International Terminal — Handles all international arrivals and departures with customs, immigration, and duty-free facilities.
  • Domestic Terminal — Serves flights to Venezuelan cities including Maracaibo, Valencia, and Maturín with separate check-in halls.
Ground Transport
  • Taxi services from the official airport taxi rank (pre-booking strongly advised for safety)
  • Private transfer services arranged through hotels or trusted operators
  • Car rental desks available at the terminal (limited options)
  • Informal shared minivan transfers toward Caracas city center
Nearby Hotels
  • Hotel Maiquetía
  • Hotel Caribe
  • Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites Caracas (in the city)
  • Hotel Alba Caracas
Dining

Food options inside the airport are modest, with a limited number of cafeterias and snack counters in both terminals offering Venezuelan staples such as arepas, empanadas, and coffee. Availability and quality can vary significantly depending on supply conditions at any given time. Travelers are advised to carry snacks and local currency for small purchases, as card payment infrastructure can be unreliable.

Traveller Tips
  • Exchange currency before arriving if possible, as airport exchange services can be limited or offer unfavorable rates.
  • Use only official, pre-arranged taxi services or hotel pickups — do not accept rides from unlicensed operators outside the terminal.
  • Allow extra time for check-in and security procedures, as queues can be lengthy and processes slower than international norms.
  • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in the airport area, as security conditions around Maiquetía require heightened personal vigilance.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (47 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

CCS → AUA7I · M83
CCS → CUR7I · M83 F50
CCS → AUA8I · M82
CCS → AUA9V · 732
CCS → CUR9V · 732
CCS → MRD9V · F50
CCS → BLA9V · 734 732
CCS → BNS9V · 732
CCS → MAR9V · 732
CCS → PZO9V · F50
CCS → VLV9V · F50
CCS → JFKAA · 757 738
CCS → MIAAA · 757 763 738
CCS → DFWAA · 738
CCS → SJUAA · 738
CCS → CDGAF · 332
CCS → MEXAM · 737
CCS → EZEAR · 340
CCS → BOGAV · 320 330
CCS → LIMAV · E90
CCS → FCOAZ · 330
CCS → POSBW · ATR
CCS → MDECM · E90
CCS → HAVCU · T20 320 A58 319
CCS → BOGCM · 73G E90
CCS → PTYCM · 73G
CCS → ATLDL · 757
CCS → BOGEQ · E70
CCS → AUAG3 · 738
CCS → PUJG3 · 738
CCS → GRUG3 · 738
CCS → MADIB · 333
CCS → GRUJJ · 320
CCS → GYELA · 763
CCS → LIMLA · 319
CCS → MIALA · 763
CCS → SCLLA · 763
CCS → FRALH · 333
CCS → AUAQL · D93
CCS → STDQL · D93
CCS → AUAR7 · M80
CCS → BLAR7 · M80 DC9
CCS → MARR7 · DC9 M80
CCS → BLAQL · D93
CCS → MARQL · D93
CCS → PMVQL · D93
CCS → VIGQL · D93
CCS → BRMR7 · DC9
CCS → LSPR7 · DC9
CCS → MUNR7 · DC9
CCS → PMVR7 · M80 DC9
CCS → PZOR7 · DC9 M80
CCS → STDR7 · M80 DC9
CCS → MIAS3 · 767 757
CCS → PTYS3 · 757
CCS → TFNS3 · 767
CCS → LISTP · 332
CCS → OPOTP · 332
CCS → FNCTP · 332
CCS → IAHUA · 739
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Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via CCS? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Venezuela from official government sources.

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