Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport is not merely a regional transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the world of Venezuela's wildlife and industrial giants. Located at the strategic confluence of the great Orinoco and Caroní rivers, it serves as the main starting point for adventurers dreaming of seeing the legendary Angel Falls and the mystical tepuis. Here, in the heart of Bolívar State, begins your introduction to the unique character of a region where modern industry exists side by side with ancient jungles.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its compact size, the airport plays a key role in Venezuelan tourism, serving as the primary hub for flights to Canaima National Park on small aircraft. The terminal has been modernised and offers travellers a basic but comfortable range of services, including cafes with local snacks and souvenir shops where you can purchase handicrafts from local artisans. Thanks to its convenient location in the Puerto Ordaz area, you can reach the best hotels and the city's business centre in just 15–20 minutes from here.

• Official Website: Information about the airport can be found on the website of the management company Bolivariana de Aeropuertos (BAER), as a separate website for Ciudad Guayana airport may be unavailable. It is recommended to check current data via search engines or airline websites.
• Information Desk Phone: +58 286-9615962. We recommend verifying the number before calling, as it may change.
• Airport Address: Av. de los Trabajadores, Ciudad Guayana, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general enquiries is difficult to find. For communication, it is recommended to use the telephone or contact forms on airline websites.
• Social Media: News and updates can be tracked on the official social media pages of the management company BAER, for example, on Twitter (X) or Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If the airline cannot assist, you may contact the general airport information service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To receive assistance and answers to questions, please use the airport information desk phone number.

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport (PZO) is located in close proximity to the city of Ciudad Guayana, making the journey there quite quick and simple. Depending on your budget, preferences, and time, several transport options are available. On average, the trip from the city centre to the terminal takes about 15-25 minutes, but it is always worth allowing extra time in case of traffic, especially during peak hours.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most popular, convenient, and safe way to get to the airport. It is recommended to use official taxi services or book a transfer through your hotel in advance. This guarantees a fixed cost and reliability. Be sure to agree on the price with the driver before the trip to avoid misunderstandings. This option is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage.

For those who value independence when moving around one of the largest cities in Venezuela, car rental is a good solution. Both local and international rental companies have offices at the airport and in the city itself. By booking a car online in advance, you can save time. The airport provides parking where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods.

Regarding public transport, the airport can be reached by city buses (por puestos); however, this option is more suitable for local residents or experienced travellers. Routes can be confusing for tourists, and comfort and safety levels are not the highest, especially if carrying luggage. There is no direct rail or metro connection to the airport in Ciudad Guayana.

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport (PZO) in Ciudad Guayana is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers visiting this region of Venezuela for the first time. The airport consists of one terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigation is intuitive: upon entry, you immediately find yourself in the general area with check-in counters, from where, after passing security, passengers proceed to the waiting hall with boarding gates.

Departure and Arrival Zones. All infrastructure is located in a single building, eliminating the need to transfer between terminals. The departure zone includes check-in counters, a security control point, and a small waiting area with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is equipped with baggage claim belts and customs control counters for international flight passengers. All functional areas are within walking distance of each other.

Processing Times and Recommendations. Due to the airport's compact size, pre-flight formalities here usually take less time than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs — it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport (PZO), located in the city of Ciudad Guayana, is not just a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to one of the most important industrial regions of Venezuela. Its history is closely intertwined with the economic development of this part of the country, which is rich in natural resources.

The airport was officially opened on 13 February 1979. It received its name in honour of General Manuel Carlos Piar, a hero of the Venezuelan War of Independence, highlighting its national significance. The creation of the airport was a strategic move aimed at supporting the rapidly developing industry of the Guayana region, known for its reserves of iron ore, bauxite, and gold. From the very beginning, it played a key role in logistics, ensuring the transport of personnel, equipment, and cargo for state and private companies.

The main stages of the airport's development are directly linked to the growth of the industrial complex. Over the years, modernisations of the runway and terminal were carried out to accommodate larger aircraft and increase passenger flow. Significant reconstructions were aimed at improving infrastructure for cargo transport, as the airport became one of the country's main cargo hubs. It provided a link between the region's industrial giants and the rest of the world.

Among the interesting facts from the airport's history is its strategic location. It is situated near the confluence of two great rivers, the Orinoco and the Caroní, symbolising its unifying role for the region. Although the airport has not set records for passenger numbers compared to the largest capital city aviation hubs, its main achievement has always been and remains its irreplaceable function as a vital artery for heavy industry and the economy of the entire southern part of Venezuela.

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport (PZO) offers its passengers a set of essential services and amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a quick bite, drink a cup of Venezuelan coffee, or purchase refreshments. There are also small shops selling local souvenirs, press, and travel necessities.

For travellers who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges may be available at the airport. Access conditions should be checked in advance with airline representatives or at the information desk. To stay connected, passengers can use the Wi-Fi service, as well as find special areas for charging electronic devices in the waiting halls.

The airport provides basic services to solve practical tasks: ATMs and currency exchange points are in operation. In case of unforeseen situations, there is a medical point ready to provide first aid. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped, and for travellers with reduced mobility, conditions have been created for convenient movement around the terminal and boarding the flight.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, there are many hotels to suit any taste and budget in the city of Ciudad Guayana, just a few minutes' drive away. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are generally absent within the terminal itself, so for business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of one of the nearby hotels.

Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport (PZO) offers passengers basic dining options to help refuel before departure or after arrival. The majority of food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal, in the public area before security control (landside). The selection here is generally wider than in the departure lounge, so if you have time, it is recommended to have a snack in this part of the airport.

Travellers can find several small cafes (cafeterías) here serving coffee, refreshing drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. This is a great opportunity to try something from the local cuisine in a quick-snack format. Look out for arepas (cornmeal cakes with filling) or empanadas (fried turnovers) — popular and filling dishes in Venezuela. For a full lunch, choices may be limited to one or two establishments with a simple menu including standard hot dishes.

Opening hours of cafes and restaurants at Ciudad Guayana airport are often tied to flight schedules and may be irregular, especially in the evening and at night. The average price range is moderate, but, as in most airports, slightly higher than in the city. For convenience, it is recommended to carry cash in local currency, although some places may accept bank cards.

For passengers with specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals, finding suitable options may be difficult. Specialised menus are likely absent here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, the most reliable solution is to bring food with you to avoid inconvenience while waiting for your flight.

To ensure your journey through Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport in Ciudad Guayana is as comfortable as possible, please make use of our tips. These simple recommendations will help save time and stress, making your flight more pleasant.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within Venezuela, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance. This will give you enough time to calmly complete all formalities, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and security control. To speed up the process, prepare all necessary documents in advance: passport, visa (if required), and ticket. Check with your airline about the possibility of online check-in — this will save you time at the airport. During security screening, be prepared to remove electronic devices, liquids, and metal objects from your hand luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If it is possible to choose a seat in advance, think about your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Seats in the front of the cabin are suitable for passengers with children or those who want to leave the aircraft more quickly.

Hand luggage. Remember the general rules: liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Always check the exact hand luggage and baggage allowance rules on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Leave a sufficient margin of time between flights to avoid rushing in case of a delay to the first aircraft and the need to pass through security again.

Customs control. When entering or leaving the country, keep your passport and completed customs declaration ready, if required. Answer customs officers' questions clearly and politely. If you are carrying something subject to declaration, it is better to declare it voluntarily.

Saving time and money. Check in for your flight online, travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage, and bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are usually higher, so a light snack brought with you will not go amiss.

In case of flight delay. Do not panic. First, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights (provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay). Ensure your phone is charged and your hand luggage contains everything necessary for a long wait.