Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS)
Maiquetía, VE 🇻🇪 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
SVMI
IATA
CCS
Elevation
234 ft
Region
VE-X
Local Time
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GPS Code: SVMI
Local Code: Not available
Location: 10.601194° N, -66.991222° E
Continent: South America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Caracas
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment regarding Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (SVMI (CCS)) is overwhelmingly negative in recent years, with many describing it as an unpleasant and often unsafe experience. While some improvements in technology have been noted, basic facilities, cleanliness, and security issues remain significant concerns for passengers.
What Travelers Love
- Technology Upgrades: Recent upgrades include enhanced security screening, digital check-in, and improved baggage handling systems.
- Efficient Security/Immigration (reported by some): Skytrax indicates that processing at security and immigration can be "quite efficient" at times.
- Safe Within International Terminal (mixed opinion): Some recent travelers felt relatively safe spending the night inside the international terminal, noting that doors are locked after midnight.
- Airport Parking: Options are available with shuttle service and 24/7 security.
Common Complaints
- Safety and Security Concerns: There are frequent reports of crime, corruption, extortion by individuals in official uniforms, and robberies, both inside and outside the airport. Travel to and from the airport is advised only during daylight hours, and pre-arranged, trusted transportation is highly recommended due to risks with unregulated taxis.
- Poor Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Travelers consistently report weak facilities, poor air-conditioning, lack of water, and general uncleanliness. Many food and retail outlets are often closed, especially during off-peak hours, leading to limited amenities.
- Long Wait Times and Inefficient Processes: Passengers frequently experience eternal queues at check-in, security, and immigration. Some reviews mention duplicated security checks causing significant delays, with recommendations to arrive 3-5 hours before international flights.
- Problematic Transportation Connections: Hailing a taxi from the airport can be risky due to "pushy, unregulated, and mostly uninsured taxi touts." It is strongly advised to pre-arrange transportation with a trusted service.
- Unfriendly and Unprofessional Staff: Several reviews mention rude and unkind staff, affecting the overall traveler experience.
- Limited Financial Services: ATMs often only accept local cards or are out of order, making it difficult for international travelers to access cash.
Overall, Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport is perceived by many recent travelers as challenging and potentially unsafe, largely due to issues with security, limited operational facilities, and long processing times. Travelers should prioritize pre-arranged transportation and be prepared for potential inconveniences and extended waits.
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Airport Routes
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) offers 67 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Conviasa, LASER Airlines, Avior Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Maiquetía include La Chinita Int'l, Del Caribe Int'l (Gen. Santiago Marino), Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana and Mayor Buenaventura Vivas.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- La Chinita Int'l (MAR) 6
- Del Caribe Int'l (Gen. Santiago Marino) (PMV) 5
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD) 5
- Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana (PZO) 5
- Mayor Buenaventura Vivas (STD) 4
- El Dorado Int'l (BOG) 4
- Juan Vicente Gomez Int'l (SVZ) 3
- Maturin (MUN) 3
- General Jose Antonio Anzoategui Int'l (BLA) 3
- Josefa Camejo Int'l (LSP) 3
- Los Roques Airport (LRV) 3
- Juan Pablo Perez Alfonso (VIG) 3
Newly Discovered
- Jacinto Lara Int'l (BRM) new
- Grantley Adams Int'l (BGI) new
- Los Roques Airport (LRV) new
- Mayor Buenaventura Vivas (STD) new
- Dr. Antonio Nicolas Briceno (VLV) new
- La Chinita Int'l (MAR) new
- Juan Vicente Gomez Int'l (SVZ) new
- Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana (PZO) new
- Maturin (MUN) new
- Juan Pablo Perez Alfonso (VIG) new
- Del Caribe Int'l (Gen. Santiago Marino) (PMV) new
- General Jose Antonio Anzoategui Int'l (BLA) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Conviasa
VCV
/ V0
|
17 | 69 | 17 | Jan 18, 2026 |
|
LASER Airlines
LER
/ QL
|
7 | 38 | 7 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
Avior Airlines
ROI
/ 9V
|
9 | 34 | 9 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
RUTACA
RUC
/ 5R
|
7 | 30 | 7 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
Estelar
ETR
/ ES
|
9 | 30 | 9 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
Aerocaribe
CVZ
|
1 | 20 | 1 | Aug 9, 2025 |
|
SASCA Airlines
SSU
|
1 | 13 | 1 | Aug 9, 2025 |
|
Venezolana
VNE
|
2 | 11 | 2 | Jul 28, 2025 |
Copa Airlines
CMP
/ CM
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Aug 8, 2025 |
|
Boliviana de Aviación
BOV
/ OB
|
2 | 5 | 2 | Jul 25, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09/27 |
9930 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
10/28 |
11483 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | MAIQUETIA APP | 120.1 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 132.95 MHz |
| CLD | CLD | 119.5 MHz |
| DEP | MAIQUETIA DEP | 120.1 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| RDO | MAIQUETIA RDO | 130.1 MHz |
| TWR | MAIQUETIA TWR | 118.4 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official, authorized taxis are the recommended and safest option. Look for the official taxi counters (e.g., Taxitour) inside the arrivals hall of both the international and domestic terminals. You typically pre-pay for your trip at the kiosk and receive a ticket to give to your driver. It is strongly advised to avoid unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers outside the terminal.
Rental Cars
Several car rental agencies, including Unirent, Hertz, and Aco, have counters located in the arrivals area. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak seasons. An international driving permit may be required in addition to your valid national license. Be prepared for local driving conditions, which can be challenging.
Public Transportation
Public buses, operated by companies like UCAMC, provide an economical connection to Caracas. Buses depart from a designated area outside the arrivals terminal and travel to central points in the city, such as Parque Central or Plaza Venezuela. While this is the cheapest option, it may be less convenient, especially with luggage, and service frequency can vary.
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