WILLEMSTAD – A commercial flight from Spain carrying 353 passengers was diverted to Curaçao on Wednesday evening after earthquake damage at Venezuela's main international airport prevented the aircraft from landing in Caracas.
The diversion came shortly after two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
According to Venezuelan authorities and local media, the earthquakes caused significant damage at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, the country's main gateway serving Caracas. The damage temporarily made it impossible for incoming international flights to land safely.
As a result, the aircraft from Spain was redirected to Curaçao, where local authorities coordinated the reception and assistance of the 353 passengers who unexpectedly arrived on the island.
Officials indicated that additional international flights destined for Venezuela could also be diverted while damage assessments continue at Maiquetía Airport.
The Colombian Civil Aviation Authority has offered assistance in managing the disruption to regional air traffic, identifying airports in Barranquilla and Bogotá as alternative destinations. Curaçao has also been included among the airports capable of accommodating diverted flights.
The powerful earthquake was also felt across Curaçao on Wednesday evening. Following initial reports from residents, the Curaçao Meteorological Service issued a precautionary Yellow Alert while seismic data were analyzed. After completing its assessment, the agency confirmed there was no tsunami threat to the island.
The earthquakes were also felt in parts of Colombia and several Caribbean islands.
Authorities in Venezuela continue to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes. As of Thursday, no definitive information had been released regarding the total number of casualties or the overall impact on infrastructure throughout the affected regions.