Updated on 05/22/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Medellin travel guide, which offers a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Medellin. Enjoy reading it!
Airports in Medellín
Medellín boasts two main airports: José María Córdova International Airport and Olaya Herrera Airport. Both offer services and infrastructure for charter flights and private jets.
José María Córdova Airport
- Located in Rionegro, 18 miles (29 km) from Medellín, José María Córdova International Airport is the region’s primary airport and Colombia’s second most important. It features a 10,827-ft (3,300 m) paved runway with Category III instrument landing systems (ILS), allowing aircraft to land in low visibility. The airport can accommodate all aircraft sizes, including wide-body jets.
- Set in a mountainous area, the airport offers a panoramic view of Medellín and its surroundings.
- The main terminal is a modern two-story building with a large waiting area, shops, restaurants, and various services.
Olaya Herrera Airport
- Located in central Medellín, adjacent to the Terminal Sur bus station, Olaya Herrera Airport primarily handles regional, national, some international flights, and charters.
- It has an 8,228-ft (2,508 m) paved runway at an elevation of 4,941 ft (1,506 m) above sea level, suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft.
- The passenger terminal has two waiting areas with access to the main platform, which can accommodate 18 aircraft.
Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) in Medellín Airports
Both airports are managed by Airplan, which operates four other airports in Colombia. They offer services such as:
- VIP lounges
- Flight planning
- Ground transportation
- Hangar storage and maintenance
- Fuel supply
- Customs assistance and security checks
- Catering
- Hotel reservations
- Aircraft cleaning
Medellín Charter Flights Overview
Several companies in Medellín offer charter and private flight services for both passengers and cargo. Their fleets range from small aircraft like Piper and Cessna, ideal for short trips and remote destinations, to larger, luxurious jets like Beechcraft and Embraer for long-distance travel.
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 Flight Destinations from and to Medellín
Medellín, with its two main airports, is a strategic hub for charter flights, providing personalized connections to various local and international destinations.
Direct flights to domestic destinations usually take between 30 and 60 minutes. Flights to international destinations can take several hours.
Flights with stopovers usually take longer, as they must stop at another airport, generally in Bogota or Cartagena.
International Destinations
Here are some of the most popular international destinations from Medellín:
Medellín – Miami
Miami, a vibrant city in Florida, is known for its sunny weather, iconic beaches, and multicultural lifestyle. With a constantly evolving art and culinary scene, Miami attracts visitors with its unique energy and cultural blend.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Landing at: Miami International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 2,000 miles
Medellín – Mexico City
Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, blends rich pre-Hispanic history with modernity. Iconic landmarks like the Zócalo and the Palace of Fine Arts reflect the cultural diversity of this metropolis, also renowned for its gastronomy and artistic activities.
- Flight Duration: Around 3 hours
- Landing at: Benito Juárez International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 1,500 miles
Medellín – New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, is a global icon of culture, finance, and fashion. Its towering skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building, along with landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, make this metropolis a hub for innovation and entertainment.
- Flight Duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes
- Landing at: John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 2,400 miles
Medellín – Panama City
Panama City, a bridge between continents, is a cosmopolitan metropolis that merges modernity with history. Its famous canal, a symbol of connectivity, is complemented by skyscrapers, financial centers, and a charming colonial old town.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Landing at: Tocumen International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 1,000 miles
Medellín – Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, blends European elegance with Latin American passion. Its wide avenues, diverse architecture, and the energy of tango make it a unique cultural and gastronomic destination.
- Flight Duration: 6 hours and 45 minutes
- Landing at: Ministro Pistarini International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 3,400 miles
Medellín – Madrid
Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, captivates with its rich history, exceptional art, and lively nightlife. Iconic monuments like the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum intertwine with modern life in this charming city.
- Flight Duration: 9 hours and 45 minutes
- Landing at: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 4,800 miles
National Destinations
Some popular national charter flight destinations from Medellín include:
Medellín – Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant and diverse city situated at 8,530 ft above sea level. With its rich history, culture, and unique blend of modernity and tradition, Bogotá captivates visitors from around the world.
- Flight Duration: 35 minutes
- Landing at: El Dorado International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 310 miles
Medellín – Cartagena
Cartagena, a Caribbean gem in Colombia, is a port city full of historical charm. With its centuries-old walls, cobblestone streets, and colorful colonial buildings, Cartagena blends old-world elegance with contemporary vitality.
- Flight Duration: 50 minutes
- Landing at: Rafael Núñez International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 410 miles
Medellín – San Andrés
San Andrés, a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, captivates with its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant marine life. This Colombian island offers an idyllic escape where lush nature blends with island culture, creating a unique atmosphere of relaxation and adventure.
- Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Landing at: Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 500 miles
Medellín – Cali
Cali, known as the “Branch of Heaven,” enchants with its festive spirit and cultural essence. Surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains, this Colombian city offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Its streets overflow with joy, color, and the unmistakable flavor of salsa, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its festive atmosphere.
- Flight Duration: 30 minutes
- Landing at: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 240 miles
Medellín – Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga, the “Beautiful City” of Colombia, dazzles with its urban charm and mountainous landscapes. With a pleasant climate and a mix of contemporary architecture and green spaces, the city offers a welcoming experience. Its parks, plazas, and the warmth of its people make Bucaramanga an enchanting destination.
- Flight Duration: 25 minutes
- Landing at: Palonegro International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 180 miles
Medellín – Santa Marta
Santa Marta, a Caribbean jewel of Colombia, captivates with its white sand beaches and deep 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: Approximately 1 hour
- Landing at: Simón Bolívar International Airport
- Speed: 500 mph
- Distance: 440 miles
Charter Flight Restrictions in Medellín
Medellín’s complex and varied topography presents challenges and restrictions for charter and private flights. It’s crucial to consider several aspects when planning aerial operations in the city.
- Altitude: At 4,900 ft above sea level, Medellín experiences thinner, cooler air. These conditions affect aircraft performance, requiring more power and fuel for both takeoff and landing.
- Climate: Medellín has a tropical climate with an average temperature of around 72°F. Despite this, the city’s variable weather, influenced by factors such as time of day, season, and geographic location, means charter and private flights must be prepared for sudden changes in conditions, including rain, fog, wind, or hail.
Migratory Process for Charter Flights in Medellín
At José María Córdova International Airport and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, the immigration process can be conducted on-site, as Migration Colombia staff come to the private hangar where the plane is located. This avoids lines and facilitates passenger boarding.
Here are the steps for charter flight passenger control by Migration Colombia:
- 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
- Finding the Top Charter Flight Service in Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
- 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 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
