Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (IATA: CCS, ICAO: SVMI) serves Maiquetía, VE. It has 94 scheduled routes to 42 destinations in 19 countries, operated by 28 airlines.
- Scenic Location: The airport offers breathtaking views upon landing, with the Caribbean coast on one side and majestic mountains separating the airport from Caracas on the other.
- Artistic Design: The main hall features a famous floor adorned with "Cromointerferencia de Color Aditiva" by Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez, which has become an iconic backdrop for photographs.
- Friendly Staff (occasional): Some travelers have reported friendly and helpful staff, though this is not a universal experience.
- Improved International Departure Area (before security): There have been mentions of a renovated international departure area before the secure zone, offering a nice food court with various options.
- Reasonable Food Selection and Shopping (older reviews): Older reviews suggest reasonable food selection and inexpensive shopping options.
- Safety and Security Concerns: A pervasive complaint is the feeling of insecurity, with reports of police and national guard being perceived as criminal, and concerns about robbery and corruption. Travelers are advised to be highly cautious upon arrival.
- Excessive Security Checks and Bribes: Travelers frequently report multiple, overlapping security checks and staff attempting to solicit bribes or steal from luggage.
- Long Wait Times and Disorganization: Immigration and security wait times are often described as excessive, particularly when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, leading to queues of 1.5 to 2 hours or more. Departure processes can also be chaotic, with recommendations to arrive 3-5 hours before international flights.
- Poor Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: The airport is noted for weak facilities, including poor air-conditioning and a lack of water or toilet paper in restrooms. Cleanliness and services are moderately valued compared to other airports.
- Lack of Functional ATMs and Bank Outlets: Travelers have reported ATMs being out of order and bank outlets closed.
- Difficult Luggage Carts: Luggage carts are often not allowed outside the baggage claim area into the main arrivals hall, necessitating payment for porters.
- Problematic Ground Transportation: There are many "pushy," unregulated taxi touts, and hailing a taxi can be risky. Travelers are strongly advised to use only official taxis booked from official counters or pre-arranged hotel transfers due to safety concerns like robbery and express kidnappings. Ride-sharing services like Ridery and Yummy Rides are available.
- Airport User Tax (cash only): An airport user tax must be paid in cash prior to security/immigration upon departure, which travelers find disorganized and inadequate.
- Separation of Terminals: The international and domestic terminals are not connected by a covered walkway, requiring a walk between them, which can be challenging with luggage.
- Overall Deterioration: Some reviews describe the airport as being in a state of disrepair, with security cameras not working and theft of artwork from the iconic Cruz-Diez mural.
Bottom line: Recent traveler sentiment at Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport is predominantly negative due to significant safety concerns, chaotic and lengthy processing, and substandard facilities. While some positive aspects like the scenic views and unique artwork are noted, the overwhelming number of complaints regarding security, efficiency, and amenities suggests a challenging experience for most travelers. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, plan for extensive wait times, and arrange secure transportation in advance.
Routes from CCS
42 nonstop destinations · 28 airlines.
Airlines at CCS
28 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) offers 94 flight routes operated by 28 airlines. Major carriers include Conviasa, RUTACA, LASER Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Maiquetía include Los Roques Airport, Del Caribe Int'l (Gen. Santiago Marino), La Chinita Int'l, El Dorado Int'l, General Jose Antonio Anzoategui Int'l.
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Common questions about CCS
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from CCS?
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport has 94 scheduled routes to 42 destinations in 19 countries, operated by 28 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport?
28 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Conviasa, RUTACA, LASER Airlines.
Where is Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport located?
Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport is located in Maiquetía, VE, at an elevation of 234 ft. Its IATA code is CCS and ICAO code is SVMI.