Venezuela's main international airport has been closed indefinitely after two powerful earthquakes struck the country in rapid succession, killing at least 920 people, injuring more than 4,300, and leaving tens of thousands missing, authorities said.

The twin earthquakes—a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed just 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 main shock—hit on Thursday, causing widespread destruction across the country. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Simón Bolívar International Airport, also known as Maiquetía, was shut down after sustaining extensive damage to its runways and terminal buildings. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused major structural damage, including deep cracks in the runways, collapsed ceilings, and widespread power outages. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show significant damage throughout the airport.

Rodríguez did not provide a timeline for reopening the country's busiest airport.

Venezuela's civil aviation authority has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) closing the airport's primary runway, 10R/28L, tentatively until July 2. A secondary runway, 9/27, remains operational.

Twenty-two airlines, including American Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Copa Airlines, LATAM Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Avianca, and Conviasa, serve the airport.

Copa Airlines announced on June 25 that it had suspended flights to Caracas, Barquisimeto, Valencia Arturo Michelena International, and Barcelona José Antonio Anzoátegui airports until further notice.

Airport authorities have urged passengers not to travel to the airport and instead monitor flight updates through their airlines' digital platforms. Travelers stranded in Venezuela have been advised to contact their embassies for assistance and follow official updates.

A number of airlines are expected to offer free rebooking or full refunds to affected passengers. But travel experts warned travelers not to cancel their own bookings before an airline cancels a flight officially, as it may impact eligibility for refunds or travel insurance claims.

Source: Ch-Aviation/onmanorama/AFP