Operational tests have begun at the provisional terminals under construction at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, La Guaira state, Venezuela, following the severe damage inflicted on the runways and principal facilities at Venezuela’s main airport during the June 24 earthquakes.
According to specialized local outlets, the tests were conducted this Wednesday, August 19, with Laser Airlines and Conviasa, allowing the carriers to evaluate check-in times and airport controls. The air-conditioning system, boarding flows, and, in particular, passenger-security protocols were also tested.
Among other objectives, the technical exercise was intended to measure the systems’ effectiveness and determine the duration of the passenger check-in process.
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“This week, the airlines that will be operating have been called in to conduct simulations to fine-tune details,” a source linked to the Maiquetía airport’s Operations Directorate told El Pitazo, “manage schedules effectively, and understand how the air conditioning, restrooms, and waiting areas function, as well as baggage-handling times.”
“Tests will be carried out on all aspects of aeronautical operations to ensure that they are performed as efficiently as possible,” the source added, “and that the provisional terminals operate optimally, both for the airlines and for passengers returning to Maiquetía.”
The provisional terminals are expected to operate at approximately 30% of Maiquetía’s pre-earthquake capacity. The facilities is estimated to be able to handle 480 passengers on domestic flights and 780 on international flights.
No official opening date has been announced for the provisional facilities. However, local air travel outlets have reported that the first national and international operations are planned for August 24, two months after the earthquakes.
The international routes that will operate from the terminals have not been officially confirmed. Laser Airlines is reportedly preparing to resume some operations at Maiquetía in September instead of Barcelona, where it has operated provisionally since the natural disaster.
Other airlines that could operate from the provisional terminals include Iberia, Air Europa, and Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines has announced plans to resume its Venezuela route on August 25, although this plan remains unconfirmed. Domestic routes to Canaima, Los Roques, Maracaibo, Porlamar, and Barcelona could also begin operating from the facilities.
In recent days, the airport administration has published informational videos outlining the principal features of the provisional facilities. Temporary structures installed in the airport’s parking areas will provide separate departure and arrival spaces for domestic and international passengers while the facilities damaged by the earthquakes are repaired.
The provisional terminals will be equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. They will also offer vending machines, medical assistance, charging stations, ramps for passengers with reduced mobility, video-surveillance systems, and a public-address system.
Venezuela: Maiquetía Airport Recovery Continues After June 24 Earthquakes
Passengers will be transferred to aircraft aboard air-conditioned buses. The facilities will also provide secure baggage handling and long-stay parking. Authorities announced that entry will be restricted to ticketed passengers only, and that food and drinks will not yet be permitted under the applicable regulations.
(Últimas Noticias) with Orinoco Tribune content
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/AU
