Copa Airlines has extended the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Caracas until Thursday, January 15, 2026. This decision is due to the main runway at Maiquetía International Airport not being fully operational, including its instrument landing system. The extension comes during the peak travel season when thousands of passengers are looking to travel across the region. In response, the airline has increased flight frequency between Panama and Cúcuta, Colombia, a border city with the Táchira state, as an alternative route for travelers bound for Venezuela. As part of evaluating operational options, a cargo aircraft B737-800BCF (registration HP-1990W) conducted a test flight to La Chinita International Airport in Maracaibo on Tuesday, December 16. Copa Airlines has operated regular flights to this location since July 2024. For passengers with tickets already issued up to the suspension date, the airline offers three alternatives at no extra charge: changing the flight date, changing the origin/destination within the same region, or canceling the trip while preserving the ticket's value as credit for future use. Refunds for unused or partially used tickets can be processed at www.copa.com. Copa Airlines reiterated that passenger and crew safety is its top priority and urged those with flights to or from Caracas to stay informed through the airline's official channels.
