- Flight Disruptions
- Avianca adds emergency Valencia flights as Caracas airport disruption continues
Avianca adds emergency Valencia flights as Caracas airport disruption continues
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on June 29, 2026
2
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
2
Affected airports
1
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Avianca has launched temporary emergency flights between Bogotá and Valencia after earthquake damage disrupted operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport, the main airport serving Caracas. Bookings opened on 28 June, and the added service will run at least through 10 July 2026 while repairs and safety inspections continue.
The airline is operating two daily round trips and has extended flexible rebooking, airport-change, and refund options for tickets affected between 24 June and 15 July. Because the disruption was caused by a natural disaster outside the airline's control, compensation is unlikely, but passengers should still receive care, assistance, and rebooking support.
Disruption details
Avianca has added temporary emergency flights between Bogotá El Dorado International Airport and Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia after earthquake damage began disrupting operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport on 24 June 2026.
The extra service is meant to keep Colombia and Venezuela connected while repairs and safety inspections continue at Maiquetía, the main gateway for Caracas. Normal service at Simón Bolívar International Airport still hasn't fully returned.
For passengers, this meant rerouted trips, changed itineraries, and more uncertainty around travel to and from Caracas as airlines adjusted operations after the earthquakes.
Bookings for the new flights opened on 28 June 2026, and Avianca says the service will run at least through 10 July 2026. The airline may extend the operation if recovery at Simón Bolívar International Airport takes longer than expected.
Avianca is operating two daily round trips with Airbus A320 aircraft. One rotation leaves Bogotá at 7:35 am and returns from Valencia at 12:27 pm. A second departs Bogotá at 11:20 pm and returns from Valencia at 4:17 am the next day.
The schedule closely mirrors Avianca's usual Bogotá-Caracas pattern, helping passengers with existing Caracas bookings move to Valencia with less disruption and minimal rescheduling.
These flights are also supporting the wider emergency response. Avianca is carrying rescue personnel, medical teams, and humanitarian cargo in coordination with the Colombian Red Cross, Ruta Animal, ABACO, and the Colombian Civil Air Patrol.
The airline has also extended passenger-protection measures for tickets booked for travel between 24 June and 15 July:
Rebook for any date up to 31 August without change fees or fare differences.
Change the origin or destination to Valencia, Cúcuta, or Riohacha at no extra charge, subject to seat availability.
Request a full refund of the unused part of the ticket through the original point of sale.
Special humanitarian fares are available as well. Avianca says it's working with authorities, governments, and partner organizations to maintain essential connectivity while the emergency response continues. Travelers should keep an eye on the airline's official channels in case the schedule changes after 10 July.
Because this disruption was caused by an earthquake, compensation is unlikely under EC 261 or similar passenger-rights rules. But that doesn't mean you're without support. If your journey is disrupted, your airline should still offer rebooking or a refund, along with food, drinks, accommodation, and communication support when needed. If you'd like to understand what may apply to your trip, AirHelp's free flight checker is a simple place to start.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Unknown
Cause
Natural disaster
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Avianca
Airports affected
Simon Bolivar Airport, Valencia Airport
Cities affected
Caracas, Valencia, Bogotá
Countries affected
Venezuela, Colombia
Start date
2026-06-24
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
June 29, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
