SVVA Arturo Michelena Intl Airport
Arturo Michelena International Airport (IATA: VLN, ICAO: SVVA) is a Venezuelan airport located in the city of Valencia, in the state of Carabobo. It is the fourth most important airport in the country, after Simón Bolívar Airport in Vargas–Maiquetía, La Chinita Airport in Maracaibo, and Santiago Mariño Airport in Porlamar, and it is the main airport of Venezuela’s Central Region.
It enjoys a privileged location, being situated in the north of South America, which allows easy access to in... Arturo Michelena International Airport (IATA: VLN, ICAO: SVVA) is a Venezuelan airport located in the city of Valencia, in the state of Carabobo. It is the fourth most important airport in the country, after Simón Bolívar Airport in Vargas–Maiquetía, La Chinita Airport in Maracaibo, and Santiago Mariño Airport in Porlamar, and it is the main airport of Venezuela’s Central Region.
It enjoys a privileged location, being situated in the north of South America, which allows easy access to international markets. The airport is located within the Valencia Industrial Zone, considered one of the most important manufacturing complexes in Venezuela, making it a key factor in its development as one of the region’s main airports. More than 60% of the air cargo handled in Venezuela passes through this airport, making it the country’s primary cargo airport. The remaining air cargo is mainly distributed between Maiquetía and La Chinita, as well as other less important airports.
The airport is connected to the country’s main national road network via the Autopista Regional del Centro, located seven minutes away. It is also just two and a half hours from the nation’s capital and thirty minutes from Puerto Cabello, the main port on the Venezuelan Caribbean coast.
History
Arturo Michelena International Airport was inaugurated on September 29, 1986, during the presidency of Jaime Lusinchi and the governorship of Oscar Celli. It is one of Venezuela’s most important airports and serves the urban area of Valencia and the state of Carabobo. The first official flight was operated by an Aeropostal (El Margariteño) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 aircraft.
Arturo Michelena Airport has runways and ramps that meet the requirements of an international airport. It is currently undergoing renovations, and a new taxiway to Runway 10 is scheduled to be inaugurated.
Infrastructure
The airport has Runway 10/28, measuring 3,000 meters in length and 50 meters in width, with an ASPH-PCN-103 surface. It is equipped with runway lighting and signage, as well as a PAPI system. The airport also features a control tower equipped with advanced telecommunications systems, meteorological services, commercial areas, banking services, car rental facilities, and paramedical assistance.
The main passenger apron covers an area of 48,000 square meters and has capacity for eight aircraft, as well as five cargo aircraft.
