THIS is one airport you won’t want to fly into.

There are reports that Maiquetía “Simón Bolívar” International Airport in Caracas, Venezuela is a hub of criminal activity.

In the first four months of this year, 42 workers were arrested for stealing from tourists’ luggage according to a report published by the Maiquetia International Airport Institute (ICMI). And another 24 criminal gangs have been “dismantled” who were involved with theft of passenger luggage as well as stealing from cars in the parking lot.

To date a total of 144 arrests have been made for theft, fraud and drug trafficking.

The United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security says criminal activity at the airport is significant saying travellers are commonly victims of personal property thefts and muggings.

Breaking news: 144 detained for baggage theft at Venezuela's Simón Bolívar International Ai... http://t.co/G0tuRgosTL pic.twitter.com/3e8ZJYFdSE — Securoseal.com (@Securoseal) April 28, 2015

It warns travellers to be wary of all strangers including those who claim to be airport officials with reports of criminals posing in official uniforms.

It advises travellers not to pack valuable items or documents in checked bags and says there are reports of airport officials attempting to extort money from travellers as part of the check-in or boarding process. As well as airport shuttles operated by major local hotels being robbed by armed individuals.

Australia’s Smart Traveller website also warns travellers about travel to and from the airport.

“The Maiquetia Simon Bolivar Airport area and the road between the airport and Caracas is particularly dangerous due to violent crime. There have been reports of muggins and kidnappings by criminals posing as taxi drivers.”

PLEASE .@hrw SOS. VENEZUELAN PEOPLE CRAMS SIMON BOLIVAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM CCS, VENEZUELA pic.twitter.com/4XrCdeUVga — SI NO ES SOCIALISMO (@marcoanmar) April 18, 2014

A statement on the Simón Bolívar International Airport says it has taken steps to curb crime adding another 129 airport security officers as well as a permanent prosecutor’s office at the airport.

“The Airport Terminal is the only airport in the country with a public prosecutor’s office inside its buildings, which allows the authorities to take penal actions in a more effective manner to continue to strengthen the overall security of the airport’s customers and goods.

“The airport administrator’s office recommends that customers make a formal complaint to the security forces inside the terminal whenever they are witness to any illicit act that might interfere with the normal functioning of the airport, in the interest of strengthening the fight against crime.’

For now, this might be one airport you may like to avoid.