Two Months After the Devastating Earthquakes: Closed Airport Continues to Force Flight Changes

Air Europa has temporarily moved its Madrid–Caracas flights to Valencia, Venezuela,  after the closure of  Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía following the two  devastating earthquakes  on June 24, 2026, which killed more than 6,500 people and injured tens of thousands . 

Maiquetía Airport. Photo: Shutterstock

After obtaining the necessary permits, the airline started operating flights between Madrid and Caracas through Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia (VLN) on selected dates in August.

The affected services are  UX071 from Madrid to Valencia and UX072 from Valencia to Madrid, which already operated on August 21, 22, and 23, with August 25, 27, and 28, 2026, as the remaining available dates.

Passengers who already have reservations for the affected flights do not need to take any action. Air Europa said connecting flights, where applicable, are not affected. Travelers are advised to monitor the email address linked to their booking for operational updates and ensure their contact details are up to date.

The airline has also provided specific check-in guidance. Online check-in for the August 25 flight is available within 24 hours of departure, while passengers traveling on August 27 and 28 can check in online up to 48 hours in advance. Passengers are reminded to visit the check-in desk to collect their QR code.

Air Europa. Photo: Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.com

What Happens to Flights After August 28?

Air Europa said passengers booked on flights after August 28 do not need to take any action at this stage. The airline is continuing to assess the situation and will communicate any changes directly to affected travelers.

Special flexibility has been introduced for passengers booked on flights between August 29 and 31 , provided their tickets were issued before June 25, 2026.

Eligible passengers can change their travel date free of charge, in the same cabin, for flights operated by Air Europa through October 31, 2026.

Passengers can also change their route free of charge to or from Medellín, Bogotá or Panama, subject to the same cabin class and travel deadline of October 31.

Travelers who purchased their tickets through a travel agency should contact their point of sale. Passengers who booked directly with Air Europa can contact the airline's call center.

Air Europa is also offering passengers who do not yet know their new travel dates the option of converting the ticket value into credit for a future Air Europa booking. The voucher can be used for any destination operated by the airline and is refundable.