Charter Flights in Cali, Colombia – Traveler’s Guide

Last updated on May 24, 2024

Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!

Content

Airports in Cali

Cali is served by the Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, a major hub catering to both the city and its surroundings. This airport also supports charter flights.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport is located 10 miles from Palmira and 11 miles from Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca. The airport covers an area of 370.74 hectares (915.81 acres) and has a perimeter of 37,301 feet. It sits at an altitude of 3,162 feet above sea level.

Key Facts:

It is the third largest airport in Colombia by passenger traffic, following Bogotá and Medellín.
The airport features a 9,843-foot runway equipped with Category III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), allowing landings in low visibility.
Opened in 1971, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades.
It is surrounded by fields and coffee plantations. It operates 24/7 and sometimes serves as an alternate airport for Bogotá.
The airport has 33 hangars and is connected to downtown Cali via the South-East Highway, with a driving time of about 20 minutes.
Home to Aeroccidente pilot training school.
Hosts 4 charter flight companies.
In November 2017, it became Colombia’s first certified airport, meeting ICAO safety standards.

Services

Passengers enjoy a variety of services including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, car rental services, and public transport. The airport also provides emergency medical services.

Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs)

Operated by Aeroplan, the airport hosts several FBOs like Caribbean Support, Taescol, Aerosupport, and Girag, offering:

VIP Lounge
Ground transportation
Fueling services
Flight planning
Customs assistance and security control
Catering
Aircraft storage and maintenance
Aircraft cleaning
Hotel reservations

Charter Flight Overview

Cali offers numerous charter and private flight services for both passengers and cargo, with a diverse fleet to meet various needs.

Available Aircraft Fleet

The available aircraft fleet typically ranges from small planes like Piper and Cessna, ideal for short flights and remote destinations, to larger and more luxurious aircraft such as Beechcraft and Embraer, offering greater capacity and amenities for long-distance flights.

Piper Fleet

Piper aircraft are similar to Cessna, with one or two engines and a capacity of 2 to 10 passengers, depending on the model. They are also suitable for short flights and remote destinations. Examples include:

Piper PA-28 Cherokee
Piper PA-31 Navajo
Piper PA-46 Malibu

Cessna Fleet

Cessna aircraft are small, single or twin-engine planes capable of carrying between 2 and 12 passengers, depending on the model. They are well-suited for short flights and remote destinations, as they can land on short and unpaved runways. Examples include:

Cessna 172
Cessna 208 Caravan
Cessna Citation

Embraer Fleet

Embraer aircraft are large, with two or four engines and a capacity of 19 to 120 passengers, depending on the model. They are the fastest and most luxurious but also the most expensive. Examples include:

Embraer ERJ 145
Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
Embraer Phenom 300

Beechcraft Fleet

Beechcraft aircraft are medium-sized, with two or four engines and a capacity of 6 to 19 passengers, depending on the model. They are faster and more comfortable than Cessna and Piper aircraft but also more expensive. Examples include:

Beechcraft King Air
Beechcraft Baron
Beechcraft 1900

Charter Destinations from and to Cali

Cali, with its Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, has become a strategic hub for charter flights, offering flexible connections to various destinations both locally and internationally. Flights can be direct or with layovers, depending on the destination.

Direct flights to national destinations typically take between 45 to 60 minutes. International flights can take several hours.

Flights with layovers usually take longer, as they often stop at another airport, typically in Bogotá or Cartagena.

International Destinations

These are some of the most popular international destinations from Cali:

Cali – Miami

Miami, a vibrant and diverse city on Florida’s southeast coast, is famous for its warm climate, iconic beaches, and lively cultural scene. It’s a trendy destination that blends art, entertainment, and beach lifestyle.

Flight Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Arrival: Miami International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 2,175 miles

Cali – Mexico City

Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, combines history, architecture, and contemporary energy. With its rich culture, historical sites, and unique cuisine, it offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the country.

Flight Duration: About 3 hours
Arrival: Benito Juárez International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 1,740 miles

Cali – New York

New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a global epicenter of culture, business, and entertainment. With its iconic skyscrapers, Broadway theaters, and unmatched diversity, it offers a vibrant and unique experience.

Flight Duration: About 5 hours
Arrival: John F. Kennedy International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 2,796 miles

Cali – Panama City

Panama City, a vibrant urban center that combines modern skyscrapers with the rich history of its old quarter. Strategically located at the crossroads of the Americas, this cosmopolitan city offers a unique blend of culture, business, and natural beauty.

Flight Duration: About 2 hours
Arrival: Tocumen International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 1,118 miles

Cali – Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the passionate capital of Argentina, where tango resonates in its lively streets, and European architecture blends with South American energy. This city captivates with its culture, cuisine, and an ever-present charm.

Flight Duration: About 6 hours
Arrival: Ministro Pistarini International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 4,350 miles

Cali – Madrid

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, where history meets modernity. With its elegant boulevards, renowned museums, and lively nightlife, Madrid is a destination that celebrates culture and art in every corner.

Flight Duration: About 10 hours
Arrival: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 5,592 miles

National Destinations

Some of the most popular national charter flight destinations from Cali include:

Cali – Bogotá

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant and diverse city located in the Andean highlands. With a rich history, colonial architecture, and modernity, it offers a unique mix of culture, cuisine, and urban life.

Flight Duration: 50 minutes
Arrival: El Dorado International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 187 miles

Cali – Medellín

Medellín, the city of eternal spring, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains in Colombia. With a pleasant climate, the city is known for its innovation, vibrant culture, and beautiful mountainous landscapes.

Flight Duration: 55 minutes
Arrival: José María Córdova International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 205 miles

Cali – Cartagena

Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that blends history and modernity. Its cobbled streets, centuries-old walls, and colonial architecture contrast with vibrant nightlife and warm beaches. A destination that captivates with its historical charm and tropical atmosphere.

Flight Duration: About 1 hour
Arrival: Rafael Núñez International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 486 miles

Cali – Barranquilla

Barranquilla, on the Caribbean coast, stands out for its festive and cultural energy. Known for the Barranquilla Carnival, it’s a city that blends tradition and modernity, offering music, dance, and rich cultural heritage in a tropical setting.

Flight Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Arrival: Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 533 miles

Cali – Pereira

Pereira, in the heart of the Coffee Axis, is known for its mountainous landscapes, coffee plantations, and welcoming atmosphere. The city offers a mix of nature, coffee culture, and outdoor activities in a mountainous setting.

Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Arrival: Matecaña International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 112 miles

Cali – San Andrés

San Andrés, a Caribbean gem of Colombia, dazzles with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant underwater life. This tropical paradise offers a unique escape in the Caribbean Sea, perfect for relaxing and enjoying natural beauty.

Flight Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Arrival: Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 722 miles

Cali – Ipiales

Ipiales, in the department of Nariño, is characterized by its rich cultural heritage and proximity to the Ecuadorian border. Known for the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, an impressive church built over a gorge, Ipiales attracts visitors with its unique architecture and mountainous surroundings.

Flight Duration: About 1 hour
Arrival: San Luis Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 196 miles

Cali – Guapí

Guapí is a municipality in the department of Cauca with access to the Pacific Ocean. Known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, the region offers a rich natural experience with its beaches, jungles, and Afro-Colombian community influence.

Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Arrival: Juan Casiano Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 111 miles

Cali – Timbiquí

Timbiquí is a municipality in the department of Cauca. With a rich Afro-Colombian cultural heritage, Timbiquí is known for its traditional music, like currulao, and its natural landscapes, including rivers and tropical forests.

Flight Duration: 45 minutes
Arrival: Timbiquí Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 93 miles

Cali – Popayán

Popayán, known as the “White City,” is the capital of the department of Cauca in Colombia. Famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, Popayán has cobblestone streets and numerous historic churches. The city is renowned for its Holy Week, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and is an important cultural and academic center in the region.

Flight Duration: 30 minutes
Arrival: Guillermo León Valencia Airport
Speed: 497 mph
Distance: 69 miles

Migratory Process for Charter Flights in Cali

At Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, the immigration process is conveniently handled right at the private hangar where the plane is located. This eliminates the need to stand in lines, making boarding easier for passengers.

Here’s a brief overview of how Migración Colombia handles charter flight passengers:

Arrival, document verification, and presentation: Before landing, migration personnel head to the private hangar where your plane is. A crew representative presents the properly filed General Flight Declaration via the entity’s web channel to the migration officer.
Document review and migration control: Migration control involves document review and verification, checking information such as digital seal, flight date and details, aircraft registration, crew, and passenger names.
With the reviewed and accepted declaration, the officer conducts migration control, verifying that the individuals subject to migration control are those registered in the General Flight Declaration.
Document delivery: Once the control is complete, you’ll receive your travel documents with migration stamps. All information will be recorded in the Migration Colombia system.
Alerts and feedback: Staff will dismiss alerts and provide feedback. Migration movement registration won’t be allowed if the traveler isn’t facing the migration officer. If there are movements, the officer records updates and notifies the coordinator or shift leader and the CECAM (Joint Strategic Center for Migration Analysis).
Air operator obligations: The compliance with air operator obligations according to Resolution 3167 of 2019 regarding the Advance Passenger Information System APIS will be investigated.
Sanctions and compliance: In situations where obligations aren’t met, the flight supervising officers will inform the operational staff about possible economic sanctions and potential non-attention to the flight by the migration authority. Therefore, ensure to hire a company that can fulfill all the aforementioned processes to guarantee a hassle-free experience.

With that said, remember to fill out the Check-Mig form 24 hours before entering or leaving the country.

More about Charter Flights in Colombia

About Author

Frank

Hello! I'm Frank Spitzer, the founder and the heart behind Pelecanus, a specialized tour operator for Colombia travel. My journey in travel is vast and rich – I've explored over 60 countries, absorbing cultures, experiences, and stories along the way. Since 2017, I've been channeling this wealth of global experience into creating unforgettable travel experiences in Colombia. I'm recognized as a leading authority in Colombian tourism, with a deep-seated passion for sharing this beautiful country with the world. You can catch glimpses of my travel adventures and insights around Colombia on my YouTube channel. I'm also active on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, where I share the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Colombia. For professional networking, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Join me on this incredible journey, and let's explore the wonders of Colombia together!