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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Airport Information

GPS Code: SVMI

Local Code: Not available

Location: 10.601194° N, -66.991222° E

Continent: SA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Caracas

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

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.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Conviasa
VCV / V0
17 54 17 Aug 17, 2025
7 33 7 Nov 19, 2025
9 31 9 Aug 9, 2025
RUTACA
RUC / 5R
7 29 7 Dec 4, 2025
Estelar
ETR / ES
9 29 9 Aug 9, 2025
1 20 1 Aug 9, 2025
1 13 1 Aug 9, 2025
2 11 2 Jul 28, 2025
1 5 1 Aug 8, 2025
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

Ident Name Type Frequency
MIQ Maiquetia VOR-DME 114800 kHz
MIQ Maiquetia NDB 292 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
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.

Nearby Airports

Arturo Michelena International Airport
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~114 km away
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El Libertador Airbase
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San Juan de Los Morros Airport
SVJM
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~88 km away
Arturo Michelena International Airport
VLN • SVVA
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General Bartolome Salom International Airport
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El Palmar Airport
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Camatagua Airport
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Higuerote Airport
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Hacienda Carutal Airport
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La Vigía Oeste Airport
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Guesipo Airport
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Altagracia de Orituco Airport
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Helicópteros del Caribe Heliport
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Heliport
~1 km away
Infantería de Marina HLS
VE-0475
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Heliport
~6 km away
Escuela Naval Maiquetía HLS
VE-0474
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Heliport
~6 km away
Central Tacoa HLS
VE-0118
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Heliport
~10 km away
Periférico de Catia HLS
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Heliport
~11 km away
Hospital Militar Caracas HLS
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Heliport
~13 km away
Miraflores Heliport
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Heliport
~13 km away
BCV HLS
VE-0459
Caracas, VE
Heliport
~13 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.