Venezuelan commercial aviation remains in a challenging phase, with many aging aircraft dominating the skies while connectivity shrinks compared to past decades. Once a hub connecting South America to Europe and North America, Caracas’s Simón Bolívar International Airport now sees limited international service amid lingering geopolitical tensions and safety advisories.
Old Aircraft Still Dominant
Most airlines in Venezuela continue to operate aircraft from the 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting limited fleet modernization.
• Reduced International Flights
Flights to the U.S. and Europe remain limited, with only a few international destinations currently served.
• Simón Bolívar International Airport
Caracas International Airport remains the country’s main gateway for commercial aviation and handles most international traffic.
• Impact of Sanctions
Sanctions imposed in the 2010s led many foreign airlines to suspend or cancel operations to Venezuela.
• Signs of Gradual Recovery
Some airlines are planning to restart routes, indicating slow but cautious improvement in connectivity.
• Rich Aviation History
Venezuela once enjoyed a strong aviation sector, led by VIASA, which operated advanced aircraft including Boeing 747s in the 1970s.
