Updated on 05/23/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Cartagena travel guide, which offers a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Cartagena. Enjoy reading it!
Do you want to get to know Cartagena, a Colombian coastal city with history, culture, and gastronomy? A comfortable and flexible way to get there is on a charter flight, which offers you more privacy than a commercial flight.
Cartagena Airport
The main airport in Cartagena is Rafael Núñez International Airport, located a 10-minute drive from the historic center. Some features of this airport include:
- It has an asphalt runway of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) in length, equipped with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
- It handles more than 5 million passengers annually.
- Services provided include immigration, customs, security, fueling, maintenance, hangars, and VIP lounges for charter and private flight travelers.
- There is a dedicated terminal for charter and private flights called the General Aviation Terminal.
To board a charter flight at this airport, you need to:
- Present the charter flight rental contract and personal documentation of the passengers.
- Arrive at least one hour before the flight for necessary procedures.
Charter Flight Overview in Cartagena
In Cartagena, several companies offer charter or private flight services, both domestic and international. These companies have a varied fleet of aircraft to meet the needs and preferences of customers.
Available Aircraft Fleet
The available aircraft fleet varies from small aircraft like Piper and Cessna, suitable for short flights and remote destinations, to larger and more luxurious planes like Beechcraft and Embraer, offering greater capacity and amenities for long-distance flights.
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
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
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
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
Destinations for Charter Flights To and From Cartagena
Charter flights from Cartagena serve various destinations, both within and outside Colombia. Some popular destinations include:
International Destinations
Some of the most popular international destinations for charter flights from Cartagena are:
Cartagena – New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, stands as a global epicenter of culture, business, and entertainment. With its iconic skyscrapers, Broadway theaters, and unmatched diversity, it offers a vibrant and unparalleled experience.
- Flight Duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Arrival at: John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Speed: 447 mph
- Distance: 2,349 miles
Cartagena – Madrid
Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, captivates with its rich history, exceptional art, and lively nightlife. Its emblematic landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, blend with modern life in this charming city.
- Flight Duration: 9 hours and 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport
- Speed: 522 mph
- Distance: 5,085 miles
Cartagena – Havana
Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a cosmopolitan city that blends colonial heritage with modernity. With its impressive Malecón, historic squares, and iconic buildings, Havana seduces with its culture, music, and people.
- Flight Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Arrival at: José Martí International Airport
- Speed: 373 mph
- Distance: 1,025 miles
Domestic Destinations
Here are some of the most popular domestic destinations from Cartagena.
Cartagena – Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant and diverse city located 8,530 feet above sea level. With its rich history, culture, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition, Bogotá captivates visitors from around the world.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Arrival at: El Dorado International Airport
- Speed: 298 mph
- Distance: 447 miles
Cartagena – Medellín
Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The city hosts a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and artistic events reflecting the creativity and diversity of its population.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Arrival at: José María Córdova International Airport
- Speed: 261 mph
- Distance: 304 miles
Cartagena – Cali
Cali, known as the Salsa Capital of the World, is a city located in the southwest of the country. This lively metropolis is famous for its vibrant music scene, contagious energy, and salsa festivals. Additionally, the city boasts charming parks, historic monuments, and a diverse culinary scene.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Arrival at: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
- Speed: 261 mph
- Distance: 435 miles
Cartagena – Santa Marta
Santa Marta, a Caribbean gem of Colombia, captivates with its white sandy beaches and intense blue sea. The city combines colonial history, represented in its historic center, with the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. From lively nightlife to excursions to national parks, Santa Marta offers a diverse experience for visitors.
- Flight Duration: 15 minutes
- Arrival at: Simón Bolívar International Airport
- Speed: 149 mph
- Distance: 37 miles
Cartagena – Coffee Axis
The Coffee Axis, the green heart of Colombia, is a mountainous region full of aroma and flavor. With its lush landscapes, coffee plantations, and picturesque towns, the Coffee Axis is a destination that combines rural tradition with natural adventure.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Arrival at: Matecaña International Airport
- Speed: 223 mph
- Distance: 410 miles
Cartagena – San Andrés
San Andrés, a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, captivates with its crystal-clear waters, white sands, and vibrant marine life. This Colombian corner offers an idyllic escape where lush nature mixes with island culture, creating a unique atmosphere of relaxation and adventure.
- Flight Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Arrival at: Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport
- Speed: 373 mph
- Distance: 560 miles
Restrictions on Charter Flights in Cartagena
Cartagena offers many advantages for traveling on a charter flight, but it’s important to consider some restrictions or limitations that may affect the experience.
Some of these considerations include:
- Restricted zones: Cartagena has areas restricted for overflight due to security, environmental, or military reasons. Some of these zones include:
- San Felipe Castle
- Cerro de la Popa
- Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park
- Cartagena Naval Base.
- Airport capacity: Cartagena has only one airport capable of receiving charter and private flights, but its capacity is limited, especially during peak seasons like Easter or Christmas. This can lead to congestion, delays, or unavailability of services.
Migratory Process for Charter Flights in Cartagena
If you’re traveling on a charter flight to Rafael Núñez International Airport, note that the migration process occurs at the same location where the plane lands, as Colombian Migration personnel assist you at the private hangar. This means no queuing or wasting time to board. Below, we outline the immigration control process for charter flight passengers by Colombian Migration for your awareness.
- 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
- How To Get Around Colombia Like A Pro: An Expert Transportation Guide
- What Charter Flights Are and Why Choose Them for Your Next Trip
- Finding the Top Charter Flight Service in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Book a Charter Flight in Colombia – Steps & Tips
- Your Complete Guide to Colombia’s Airports: Where to Land and What to Expect
- Types of Charter Flights – Differences between Charter, Private and Commercial Flights
- Charter Airlines in Colombia: An Overview for Travelers
- Travel to Colombia on your Private Jet – Hassle-Free Guide
- Charter Flights in Bogota, Colombia – Traveler’s Guide
- Charter Flights in Medellin, Colombia – Traveler’s Guide
- Charter Flights in Santa Marta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in Cartagena, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in Santander, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Coffee Triangle, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter flights in Meta, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in the Amazon, Colombia – Travelers Guide
- Charter Flights in San Andres, Colombia – Travelers Guide
