Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Antonio Nariño Airport, situated in the town of Chachagüí and serving the city of Pasto in Colombia’s Nariño Department, is an important regional airport. Located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Pasto, the airport primarily handles domestic flights while also accommodating military operations and private charters.

To meet the growing demands of passenger and cargo traffic, the airport has undergone significant developments. A new terminal building, administrative facilities, and control tower have been constructed, along with the installation of advanced navigation equipment. The airport serves a variety of aircraft, including Airbus A318, A319, A320, Boeing 737, 727, turboprop planes, and smaller aircraft.

Notably, Antonio Nariño Airport features a unique table-top runway built on a plateau with an elevation of 50 meters due to the surrounding terrain. This distinct characteristic has led many pilots to liken the airport to an aircraft carrier. However, the relatively short length of the runway combined with its position poses challenges during crosswind conditions, making takeoffs and landings unsafe. Crosswinds, particularly prevalent in the summer, notably in August, frequently impact operations.

In 2007, an instrumental landing system (ILS) was implemented at Antonio Nariño Airport, enabling night operations and enhancing visibility during adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, due to the significant increase in passenger and cargo volumes and the airport’s susceptibility to closures caused by inclement weather, efforts are underway to identify a suitable location for the construction of a new airport. This endeavor aims to address the burgeoning demand while ensuring operational efficiency and improved reliability, considering the current airport’s limitations.

Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport, located in Valledupar, Colombia, is primarily a domestic airport that plays a crucial role in serving the transportation needs of the city. In addition to its civilian operations, the airport also serves as a modest air base for the Colombian Air Force and Colombian Police. The operation and management of the airport are overseen by Aerocivil, the country’s civil aviation authority.

The airport serves as a vital connection point for both passengers and cargo, facilitating travel and trade within the region. Three commercial passenger airlines, namely LATAM Colombia, EasyFly, and Avianca, provide regular scheduled flights to and from Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport, ensuring convenient access to various domestic destinations.

Beyond passenger operations, Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport also accommodates two cargo airlines, further contributing to the economic activity of Valledupar and its surrounding areas. These cargo airlines play a crucial role in transporting goods, facilitating trade, and supporting the local economy by connecting Valledupar with other regions and markets.

Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport’s strategic location and efficient operation make it an essential hub for the region, facilitating business travel, tourism, and the transportation of goods. It serves as a vital link between Valledupar and other cities in Colombia, ensuring connectivity and fostering economic growth.

Camilo Daza International Airport, located in Cúcuta, Colombia, is an esteemed international airport serving the Norte de Santander Department. Situated just 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from the heart of Cúcuta, it offers extensive international facilities and enables general aviation flights to international destinations. The airport proudly bears the name of Camilo Daza, a trailblazing figure in Colombian aviation history.

The inauguration of Camilo Daza International Airport took place on October 10, 1971, with the esteemed presence of then President of the Republic, Misael Pastrana Borrero, and his Minister of Public Works, Argerino Duran Quintero. This remarkable endeavor was initiated by Juan Agustín Ramírez Calderón, the President of the Society of Public Improvements, who passionately advocated for the airport to be named after Camilo Daza as a tribute to his pioneering contributions to aviation and his pivotal role in the establishment of the Colombian Air Force.

In 2005, the Civil Aeronautics of Colombia Agency announced an ambitious renovation project for Camilo Daza International Airport, envisioning its transformation into one of the nation’s most modern aviation hubs. The renovation included enhancements to the airport’s infrastructure, the incorporation of a contemporary design aesthetic, and the implementation of robust lighting systems for enhanced nighttime air traffic safety.

Subsequently, from 2018 to 2019, Camilo Daza International Airport underwent another round of renovations and expansion. Notable improvements encompassed the construction of a new facade, the establishment of a vibrant food plaza, and the creation of modern offices for Aerocivil. The terminal was extended to accommodate increased passenger flow, the parking capacity was expanded to accommodate 300 vehicles, and the check-in and baggage claim areas were revitalized. The newly renovated and expanded airport was triumphantly inaugurated on April 26, 2019, marking a significant milestone in its development.

Los Garzones Airport serves as the bustling international gateway to the vibrant city of Montería, located in the Córdoba Department of Colombia. Situated approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) north of Montería, this airport boasts the distinction of being the only one in the department capable of accommodating modern jets, including aircraft as large as the Airbus A330. On a typical day, the airport witnesses an impressive volume of air traffic with around 25 to 30 takeoffs and landings. It holds a prominent position among the busiest airports in Colombia, serving as a vital hub for passenger flow.

In 2008, the prestigious consortium known as “AirPlan” emerged victorious in a competitive bidding process. Comprising other several notable companies, the consortium presented a comprehensive proposal. Their ambitious plan encompassed various significant initiatives, including the construction of a new terminal, the modernization of runways and taxiways, and the implementation of state-of-the-art security systems. Since 2010, Los Garzones Airport has also been equipped with an urban bus service, providing seamless connectivity between the air terminal and the city’s main bus terminal in Montería.

At present, Los Garzones Airport welcomes an impressive average of 22 to 25 commercial flights each day, facilitating the smooth transportation of over 83,000 passengers per month. Notably, it serves as the operational base for EasyFly, which contributes to the airport’s dynamic operations, accommodating overnight stays for aircraft and crews belonging to this esteemed airline, further bolstering its significance within the region.

El Edén International Airport serves as the primary international gateway for Armenia, the capital city of Colombia’s Quindío Department. Situated approximately 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) southwest of Armenia, near the town of La Tebaida, the airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, connecting the region to key destinations such as Bogotá and Medellín within Colombia, as well as Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The airport’s history is marked by significant events, after the devastating earthquake that struck Armenia on 25th January 1999, the terminal building underwent a complete reconstruction due to extensive damage caused by the seismic activity. Subsequently, in 2008 and 2009, notable enhancements were made to the airport’s infrastructure. The runway was extended, the control tower’s height was increased, and significant upgrades were undertaken in the terminal building.

Notably, a new international gate and immigration area were added to accommodate international flights. These improvements have expanded El Edén International Airport capabilities, enabling it to handle various aircraft types, including the Boeing 737 and 727, Airbus A319 and A320, McDonnell Douglas MD-80, and Fokker 100.

A significant milestone occurred on 13th November 2009 when El Edén International Airport welcomed its first international flight. Spirit Airlines operated the inaugural flight from Fort Lauderdale, USA, marking the commencement of international air travel for the airport. Spirit Airlines has since maintained regular flights between El Edén International Airport and Hollywood International Airport, operating three times a week.

These developments have positioned El Edén International Airport as a vital transportation hub, connecting Armenia and the Quindío Department to domestic and international destinations, providing increased accessibility for both local residents and visitors to the region.

Olaya Herrera Airport, located in the bustling city of Medellín, Colombia, serves as a vital transportation hub for regional and domestic flights. In addition to its commercial operations, the airport plays a significant role in supporting general aviation, boasting several hangars to cater to charter services and private aircraft.

The inception of Olaya Herrera Airport can be attributed to the visionary Colombian businessman, Gonzalo Mejía. Recognizing the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain surrounding Medellín, which hindered efficient land transportation, Mejía identified the need for a dedicated airport in the city. He successfully secured financing from affluent businessmen, carefully selected the ideal location for the airport, and overcame various obstacles imposed by the local government.

On July 5, 1932, Olaya Herrera Airport opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transportation infrastructure. The airport was named after the then-president of Colombia, Enrique Olaya Herrera, who had been a staunch supporter of Mejía’s vision for an airport in Medellín. Prior to the inauguration of José María Córdova International Airport in 1985, situated in the neighboring municipality of Rionegro, Olaya Herrera Airport was known as Medellin International Airport.

In the present day, Olaya Herrera Airport stands as a pivotal regional airport in Colombia, facilitating a substantial number of scheduled and charter flights to and from its runways. Together with José María Córdova International Airport, the two airports collectively handle over 3.5 million passengers annually, solidifying Medellín’s status as the second busiest passenger city in Colombia, following only Bogotá. The bustling operations at Olaya Herrera Airport contribute significantly to the economic and social vitality of the region, enabling seamless connectivity for travelers and fostering regional development.

Matecaña International Airport, constructed between 1944 and 1947, marked its official inauguration with a C-47 aircraft piloted by Captain Luis Carlos Londoño Iragorrion. Notably, it is the only airport in Colombia owned and managed by the city of Pereira. Serving as a crucial transportation hub, Matecaña International Airport caters to 75 percent of passengers in the coffee region, facilitating an average of 30 daily commercial operations to diverse destinations.

The passenger terminal, a four-level structure erected in the early 1970s, offers a range of amenities. The first level houses aircraft parking positions and a baggage claim area. The second/main floor accommodates check-in counters, airline offices, and both domestic and international arrival doors. On the third floor, passengers can find a general waiting room, restrooms, retail stores, restaurants, cafés, free Wi-Fi access, a charging station for electronic devices, and a VIP lounge managed by Avianca. The fourth level houses the airport’s administrative offices, a chapel, and two footbridges connecting the terminal to the car parking area situated in front of the main building.

To enhance cargo operations, a new cargo terminal was constructed to replace the original facility built in 1978. Additionally, Matecaña International Airport boasts Colombia’s second-most-advanced control tower, rivaling the tower at El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, which was recently developed. Presently, the airport is undergoing a comprehensive renovation process aimed at enhancing aviation safety, comfort, and security for all users. The runway was extended to a length of 2,205 meters in 2014, ensuring its full certification as an international airport.

In December 2016, the CSS Construction Company secured the contract for demolishing the existing terminal and constructing a new terminal building. This endeavor represents a public-private alliance, with CSS company operating the airport for 20 years while also returning a portion of the revenue to the city government. Construction work commenced in November 2017. It is noteworthy that CSS Construction also holds a 30 percent stake in the renovation project at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá.

Matecaña International Airport stands as a vital transportation hub in Pereira, offering modern facilities and services. With ongoing renovations and expansions, the airport aims to provide enhanced experiences, prioritizing aviation safety and convenience for all passengers and cargo operations.

Palonegro International Airport is an international airport situated 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) west of Bucaramanga in the Santander Department of Colombia. It serves the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, as well as the surrounding towns, handling both domestic and international flights.

Previously, Bucaramanga was served by Gómez Niño Airport, which was established by SCADTA in late 1938. Palonegro International Airport commenced operations with Junkers F-13 aircraft. In 1954, the Colombian Aerodrome Administration acquired the airport, which boasted the unique feature of operating two runways simultaneously. The runways were configured in an “X” shape, allowing for their utilization based on the prevailing wind conditions.

Nestled amidst the mountains that encircle the Bucaramanga plateau, Palonegro International Airport is accessed via a mountain road that connects it to the city. Positioned at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, the airport was constructed on the historic grounds of the Battle of Palonegro, which transpired during the Thousand Days War in the early 20th century.

Palonegro International Airport receives flights from major cities across Colombia, in addition to international flights originating from Panama City and the United States. The main terminal is conveniently located just 25 minutes away from the city, accessible via the westbound fast lane of the highway leading to Giron. Presently, the airport ranks as the eighth largest in Colombia based on passenger traffic.