{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Venezuela",
    "addressLocality": "El Vig\u00eda"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "regional carriers"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "El Vig\u00eda",
  "code": "VIG",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/VIG",
  "connection_tips": "Juan Pablo P\u00e9rez Alfonso Airport serves as El Vig\u00eda's vital connection to Venezuela's major cities, operating approximately 14 flights weekly to Caracas and seasonal service to Porlamar. Regional security protocols may require additional documentation checks and extended processing times during peak travel periods. The facility coordinates closely with Caracas air traffic control for optimal routing through Venezuela's mountainous terrain. Airport amenities are basic but functional, with limited food services and duty-free shopping compared to larger Venezuelan airports.\n\nFlight schedules can be irregular due to Venezuela's economic conditions and fuel availability, requiring passengers to maintain flexible travel plans and confirm reservations multiple times. Named after the Venezuelan politician Juan Pablo P\u00e9rez Alfonzo, this airport opened in 1991 and handles operations by Avior, Conviasa, Estelar, and LASER Airlines, all providing domestic routes within Venezuela. The airport's location in M\u00e9rida state makes it strategically important for accessing the Andean region and serves as a gateway to the nearby Andes Mountains.\n\nCurrency exchange and payment methods may be limited, so travelers should prepare with appropriate Venezuelan bol\u00edvars and backup payment options. Ground transportation to central El Vig\u00eda and onward connections to M\u00e9rida involves taxi services and buses that navigate steep Andean switchback roads, offering spectacular mountain views but requiring secure seating arrangements. The airport experiences tropical highland weather patterns that can create sudden cloud formations and wind shear conditions, particularly during afternoon thunderstorm seasons from April through October.",
  "country": "Venezuela",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/ve.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=VES",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Buses to M\u00e9rida climb steep Andean roads; secure a seat early to enjoy the switchback views safely.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Juan+Pablo+P\u00e9rez+Alfonso+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=VES",
  "iataCode": "VIG",
  "icao": "SVVG",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "May 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": -14.995029812392431,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited amenities.",
  "longitude": -59.85062567355139,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline for assistance.",
  "name": "Juan Pablo P\u00e9rez Alfonso Airport",
  "region": "South America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "VLV",
      "name": "Dr. Antonio Nicol\u00e1s Brice\u00f1o Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Juan Pablo P\u00e9rez Alfonso Airport (VIG/SVVG), inaugurated in 1991 and named after the influential Venezuelan politician Juan Pablo P\u00e9rez Alfonzo (1903-1979), serves as the primary aviation gateway to Venezuela's Andean region and the largest commercial airport by passenger volume south of Lake Maracaibo, positioned strategically in El Vig\u00eda, M\u00e9rida state where it assumed critical regional importance following the closure of M\u00e9rida's downtown Alberto Carnevalli Airport after the tragic Santa B\u00e1rbara Airlines Flight 518 crash. Located approximately one hour from the historic Andean city of M\u00e9rida, this essential facility operates as Venezuela's mountain region aviation hub processing domestic flights to Caracas and Porlamar plus seasonal Caribbean destinations through challenging high-altitude operations across dramatic mountainous terrain.\n\nThe airport's terminal facilities reflect its status as Venezuela's premier Andean aviation center, featuring passenger processing areas designed to handle the unique logistical challenges of mountain region travel where weather patterns can dramatically affect flight operations and ground transportation requires careful coordination across steep terrain leading to M\u00e9rida and surrounding Andean communities. Basic but functional amenities serve both business travelers accessing Venezuela's interior agricultural and tourism sectors plus tourists drawn to the nearby Andes Mountains, Sierra Nevada National Park, and M\u00e9rida's renowned cable car system\u2014the world's highest and longest.\n\nOperational characteristics emphasize high-altitude mountain aviation where sudden cloud formations, wind shear conditions, and afternoon thunderstorms from April through October create complex flight planning requirements coordinated through Caracas air traffic control for optimal routing across Venezuela's mountainous interior. The facility serves airlines including Avior, Conviasa, Estelar, and LASER Airlines while supporting essential emergency medical evacuation services connecting remote Andean communities to specialized healthcare facilities in Caracas, demonstrating critical aviation infrastructure enabling access to one of South America's most challenging geographical regions.\n\nStrategic importance extends beyond regional connectivity to preserving economic and cultural vitality in Venezuela's Andean heartland where aviation infrastructure enables tourism development, agricultural commerce, and essential government services across mountainous terrain where traditional ground transportation becomes impractical during seasonal weather patterns. Following recent runway rehabilitation and flight resumption, the airport represents renewed commitment to maintaining aviation access to Venezuela's interior regions while serving as the essential lifeline connecting Andean communities to national transportation networks and international connections through Caracas hub operations.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/SVVG/Juan-Pablo-P\u00e9rez-Alfonso-Airport"
}