Avianca restores the air connection between Colombia and Venezuela
Recently, Avianca announced the resumption of flights between Colombia and Venezuela through Valencia Airport (VLN), following the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves Caracas. This initiative arises to address travel difficulties caused by the closure of Caracas airport and to provide an alternative access for passengers who need to travel between these two countries.
Context of the Caracas airport closure
Simón Bolívar International Airport has historically been the main hub for international flights in Venezuela. Its recent closure, due to technical and operational reasons, has caused inconvenience for hundreds of passengers, affecting commercial flights and connections between Venezuela and neighboring countries such as Colombia. The closure was communicated at the last minute, forcing many airlines, including Avianca, to modify routes and plan alternative solutions.
Avianca’s solution: flights via Valencia
To cope with this situation, Avianca started operating flights between Bogotá (BOG) and Valencia (VLN) using Airbus A320 aircraft, both with regular flights and additional charter services. Valencia thus represents an alternative gateway to reach Venezuela, although it is located about 170 km from Caracas, increasing the need for ground transfers to reach the Venezuelan capital.
Practical impact for travelers
Passengers heading to Caracas or other Venezuelan destinations will have to consider some changes in their trip:
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Airport change: landing in Valencia will require a ground transfer to Caracas, which can take 3-4 hours by car or bus. This should be factored in for overall travel time and luggage planning.
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Organization of stay: those with hotel bookings or transfers in Caracas may need to reschedule part of their trip.
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Possible longer waiting times: charter flights supporting the extraordinary demand may have less flexible schedules, so monitoring operational updates published by Avianca is advised.
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Document and permit checks: given the special situation, it is recommended to verify entry and transit regulations, especially considering increased terrestrial controls between Valencia and Caracas.
Useful advice for travelers
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Check updates on your flight: use the feature Check your flight risk on FlightGuard to stay informed about potential changes or cancellations.
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Book transfers from Valencia Airport in advance: taxi and bus services may be congested, so plan accordingly.
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Prepare your trip with complete documentation: passport, visa if needed, and travel documents for ground transfers are essential.
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Monitor official communications from Avianca and involved airports: to confirm schedules, terminals, and check-in procedures. You can find the most updated information by consulting the page of Avianca Airlines and Valencia Airport (VLN) (/en/airports/VLN/).
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Consider possible longer waiting times: especially during passport and customs checks on the ground.
Impact on air traffic in Colombia and Venezuela
This temporary route change also highlights the importance of resilient and flexible airport infrastructure. Avianca, mainly operating through its hub in Bogotá (BOG), shows quick adaptability to ensure service continuity between Colombia and Venezuela, two countries with significant commercial exchanges and personal ties.
Flights to and from Valencia may increase until the situation in Caracas is resolved. Therefore, travelers must stay well informed and prepared for potential changes.
Where to find more information on airports and airlines
- Discover all about Valencia Airport (VLN)
- Visit the official page of Avianca Airlines
- Check flight status and information with our tool Check your flight risk on FlightGuard
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
