Caracas airport tests quake-damaged terminal plan

Venezuela carried out a readiness drill on Wednesday at provisional terminals at Simon Bolivar International Airport, which serves Caracas, after June earthquakes damaged the airport and limited operations.

The airport, in La Guaira, was affected by 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on June 24 that left more than 6,400 people dead and flattened dozens of buildings. Its infrastructure, including the main runway, was significantly damaged, restricting operations to humanitarian flights for several weeks.

Wednesday's drill tested areas meant to allow the airport to reach 40 percent of its previous capacity. The airport said on social media that it had two provisional departure terminals and two arrival terminals in large tents outside damaged buildings.

Cargo flights resumed on August 5, but no date has been set for passenger flight operations. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez has announced a plan to reopen the airport as soon as possible.