RUTACA ends flights to Brazil as Puerto Ordaz–Boa Vista service is suspended

Venezuelan carrier RUTACA Airlines will suspend its direct flights between Puerto Ordaz (Manuel Piar Airport) and Boa Vista, in the Brazilian state of Roraima, effective August 17, after approximately six months of operations. The route, launched in late February, had marked the restoration of regular air connectivity between northern Brazil and Venezuela.

RUTACA had launched the Caracas–Manaus service using McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family aircraft at that time, alongside the Puerto Ordaz–Boa Vista connection, both with two weekly frequencies and onward links to Margarita Island. Shortly afterward, the Manaus route was suspended indefinitely, while the Boa Vista service shifted to operating primarily under a charter arrangement.

With this decision, Puerto Ordaz’s Manuel Piar Airport will lose its international services, and there will be no direct flights between Brazil and Venezuela. The airline attributes the measure to several factors. Following the earthquakes of June 24, it suffered a loss of human capital and operational impacts that included the temporary suspension of activities at Maiquetía International Airport. Added to this are the low load factor recorded on the route and the devaluation of the local currency against the dollar, which hurt profitability.

RUTACA has expressed its intention to resume the service during the peak season between December, January and February. Affected customers may request a refund or arrange to move their flight forward through the airline’s official channels or through travel agencies.

Travelers wishing to connect between Venezuela and Brazil will need to make stopovers. The main options are through Tocumen Airport (PTY) in Panama, operated by Copa Airlines, or through El Dorado (BOG) in Bogotá, with Avianca services. To date, GOL Linhas Aéreas continues to keep its connection to Venezuela suspended.