Updated on 04/23/2024
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!
Airports in San Andres
On the island of San Andrés, Colombia, there’s only one airport: The Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport.
San Andrés airport stands out as one of the country’s busiest airports due to the island’s tourist attractions.
Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport
The Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport is the main airport in the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, boasting a structure and capacity to accommodate aircraft of all sizes.
Here are some interesting facts about the airport:
- The airport is recognized as the seventh most relevant airport in Colombia and is named after General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla, a former president of Colombia, who played a crucial role in connecting the island with the mainland in the 1950s, spearheading the construction of this infrastructure. In fact, the airport’s original name was “Sesquicentennial Airport.”
- The airport’s runway is 7791 ft. long and is equipped with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and paved with asphalt. This ensures a smooth and safe surface for aircraft takeoff and landing.
- This terminal stands out for its “open skies” feature, a factor that has contributed to the increase in airlines and passengers in recent years. In addition to its logistical importance, the airport offers a range of services including VIP lounges, dining options, shops, ATMs, car rental services, among others.
Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at San Andrés Airports
The Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport is managed by Aerocivil (Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics) and has multiple FBOs offering a variety of services, such as:
- Catering
- Hangars for aircraft storage and maintenance
- Fueling
- Flight planning
- Ground transportation
- Aircraft cleaning
- Hotel reservations
- Customs assistance and security control
Charter Flight Overview in San Andrés
In San Andrés, there are several companies dedicated to providing charter and private flight services for both passengers and cargo. These companies have a diversified fleet of aircraft designed to meet the different demands and preferences of their clients.
Available Aircraft Fleet
The available aircraft fleet typically ranges from small aircraft, such as 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, similar to Cessnas with one or two engines, can carry between 2 and 10 passengers, depending on the model. They are also suitable for short flights and remote destinations, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways. Some examples include:
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee
- Piper PA-31 Navajo
- Piper PA-46 Malibu
Cessna Fleet
Cessna aircraft, small in size with one or two engines, can carry between 2 and 12 passengers, depending on the model. They are suitable for short flights and remote destinations, capable of landing on short and unpaved runways. Some examples include:
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 208 Caravan
- Cessna Citation
Embraer Fleet
Embraer aircraft, large-sized with two or four engines, can carry between 19 and 120 passengers, depending on the model. They are the fastest and most luxurious but also the most expensive. Some examples include:
- Embraer ERJ 145
- Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia
- Embraer Phenom 300
Beechcraft Fleet
Beechcraft aircraft, medium-sized with two or four engines, can carry between 6 and 19 passengers, depending on the model. They are faster and more comfortable than Cessnas and Pipers but also more expensive. Some examples include:
- Beechcraft King Air
- Beechcraft Baron
- Beechcraft 1900
Destinations for Charter Flights To and From San Andrés
The Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport plays a strategic role in offering charter flight services, facilitating customized connections to various destinations, both domestic and international.
The duration of these flights may vary, with direct flights to national destinations taking approximately 60 to 120 minutes. For international flights, the duration may extend to several hours.
In the case of flights with layovers, the travel time tends to be longer, as it involves a stopover at another airport, usually in one of the country’s major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali) or in Panama.
International Destinations
Some of the most popular international destinations from San Andrés are:
San Andrés – Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City” of Brazil, captivates with its natural beauty and vibrant energy. Known for its iconic beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema, the city stretches between majestic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The Christ the Redeemer statue, eternal observer from Corcovado, symbolizes the imposing presence of this metropolis.
- Flight duration: Approximately 7 hours
- Arrival at: Galeão International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 3575 miles
San Andrés – Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, is a city of contrasts and diversity. With its European architecture, wide boulevards, and passion for tango, the city presents itself as a cultural melting pot. Neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo offer art, gastronomy, and vibrant nightlife.
- Flight duration: 7 hours
- Arrival at: Ezeiza International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 3601 miles
San Andrés – Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, rises in the Andes at an impressive altitude. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of colonial architecture, ancient churches, and cobbled streets. The city offers panoramic views from the top of the Panecillo and a fascinating mix of history, indigenous culture, and modernity.
- Flight duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Arrival at: Mariscal Sucre International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 909 miles
San Andrés – São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is a bustling financial and cultural center known for its imposing architecture, diverse gastronomic scene, and lively nightlife. Home to an eclectic mix of cultures and communities, São Paulo offers a cosmopolitan experience with world-class museums, expansive urban parks, and an intense artistic life.
- Flight duration: 7 hours
- Arrival at: São Paulo International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 3439 miles
San Andrés – Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that combines its rich history with a lively modern life. With iconic museums like the Prado and the Reina Sofía, historical monuments like the Puerta del Sol, and a diverse gastronomic scene, Madrid attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Flight duration: 10 hours
- Arrival at: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 5026 miles
San Andrés – New York
New York City, the city that never sleeps, is a global hub of culture, business, and entertainment. With its towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, and iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park, New York offers a unique urban experience.
- Flight duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Arrival at: John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 1998 miles
San Andrés – Asunción
Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is a city that blends history with modernity. Located on the banks of the Paraguay River, it offers a quiet charm with its colonial architecture, tree-lined squares, and vibrant markets. Its historical sites, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the López Palace, contrast with the vitality of contemporary neighborhoods and the emerging cultural scene.
- Flight duration: 6 hours
- Arrival at: Silvio Pettirossi International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 3076 miles
San Andrés – Miami
Miami, located in southeast Florida, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its tropical climate, white sandy beaches, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. It is a major cultural, financial, and tourist center with a unique blend of Latin American, European, and American influences.
- Flight duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Miami International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 915 miles
San Andrés – Panama City
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a cosmopolitan city that combines modernity with historical charm. With its iconic skyline of skyscrapers and the famous Panama Canal, the city stands as a major financial and business center in Central America.
- Flight duration: 50 minutes
- Arrival at: Tocumen International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 288 miles
San Andrés – Lima
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city that blends history and modernity. With its colonial legacy reflected in the historic center and its imposing churches, it contrasts with residential neighborhoods and the dynamism of a contemporary metropolis. The city is known for its rich gastronomic scene, with restaurants highlighting the diversity of Peruvian cuisine.
- Flight duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Jorge Chávez International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 1729 miles
San Andrés – Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is an important economic and commercial center. Located next to the Guayas River, the city combines modernity with a touch of history. Its boardwalk, an attractive riverside walkway, offers recreational spaces, restaurants, and panoramic views.
- Flight duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Arrival at: José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 1026 miles
San Andrés – Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile, the capital and largest city of Chile, is a vibrant urban center surrounded by the imposing Andes mountains. It offers a blend of modernity and cultural heritage. With its impressive architecture, urban parks like Cerro Santa Lucía, and a burgeoning culinary scene, Santiago attracts residents and visitors alike.
- Flight duration: 7 hours
- Arrival at: Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 3262 miles
Domestic Destinations
Some of the most popular domestic destinations for charter flights from San Andrés are:
San Andrés – Bogotá
Bogotá, the Colombian capital, stands as a cosmopolitan city rooted in history and modernity. Bogotá offers a unique fusion of colonial architecture and contemporary skyscrapers. The energy of this city is found in its bustling streets and the hospitality of its people.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Arrival at: El Dorado International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 751 miles
San Andrés – Providencia
Providencia, a Colombian island in the Caribbean Sea, captivates with its natural beauty and calm atmosphere. With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, the island invites visitors to immerse themselves in tropical serenity.
- Flight duration: 10 minutes
- Arrival at: El Embrujo Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 57.7 miles
San Andrés – Cartagena
Cartagena, a historic gem on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, enchants with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Surrounded by imposing walls, the old city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals charming squares, historic churches, and colorful facades.
- Flight duration: 50 minutes
- Arrival at: Rafael Núñez International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 447 miles
San Andrés – Valledupar
Valledupar, located in Colombia’s Caribbean region, is known as the “City of the Holy Kings” and the birthplace of vallenato, a emblematic music genre of the country. With its colorful festivals, such as the Vallenato Legend Festival, the city celebrates its rich cultural tradition.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Arrival at: Alfonso López Pumarejo International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 591 miles
San Andrés – Cali
Cali, known as the “Salsa Capital” and the third largest city in Colombia, stands out for its vibrant cultural scene and festive spirit. Located in the southwest of the country, on the banks of the Cauca River, this tropical metropolis offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Arrival at: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 720 miles
San Andrés – Medellín
Medellín, the capital of the Antioquia department in Colombia, is known for its innovation, spring-like climate, and urban development. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, Medellín offers a mountainous environment and a vibrant cultural life. Its parks, museums, and modern architecture, such as Parque Arví and the Museum of Modern Art, attract visitors.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Arrival at: José María Córdova International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 603 miles
San Andrés – Cúcuta
Cúcuta, located in northeastern Colombia, is a border city with Venezuela. With a vibrant atmosphere, it is known for its commercial and cultural activity. Its parks, such as Santander Park, offer green spaces for recreation. Local cuisine, historic architecture, and cultural diversity are highlights of this strategic city in the region.
- Flight duration: 2 hours
- Arrival at: Camilo Daza International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 704 miles
San Andrés – Barranquilla
Barranquilla, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is known for its lively cultural and festive scene. Home to the Barranquilla Carnival, one of the largest and most colorful events in Latin America, the city offers music, dance, and folk traditions. Its beaches, colonial architecture, and Caribbean hospitality contribute to the charm of this coastal city.
- Flight duration: 1 hour
- Arrival at: Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 482 miles
San Andrés – Apartadó
Apartadó, located in the Antioquia department in Colombia, is a growing city that plays an important role in the regional economy. Known for its commercial and agricultural activity, the municipality has experienced significant development in recent years. The presence of companies, commerce, and agro-industrial production are highlighted features of Apartadó.
- Flight duration: 1 hour
- Arrival at: Antonio Roldán Betancourt Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 472 miles
San Andrés – Yopal
Yopal, the capital of the Casanare department in Colombia, is a city in constant development that stands out for its importance in the oil and agro-industrial sectors. Surrounded by beautiful llanos landscapes, its vibrant atmosphere and the combination of commercial and cultural activities make Yopal a key point in the Eastern Plains region.
- Flight duration: 2 hours
- Arrival at: El Alcaraván Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 805 miles
San Andrés – Riohacha
Riohacha, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is the capital of the La Guajira department. With its coastal charm, the city is known for its beaches, such as the famous Bahía de la Virgen. Riohacha is known for its rich Wayuu indigenous heritage, reflected in its culture, crafts, and festivals.
- Flight duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Arrival at: Almirante Padilla International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 597 miles
San Andrés – Neiva
Neiva, the capital of the Huila department in Colombia, is located in the country’s Andean region. This city has grown as an important commercial and administrative center in the region. Neiva has a warm climate and is known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural tradition.
- Flight duration: 2 hours
- Arrival at: Benito Salas Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 797 miles
San Andrés – Montería
Montería, the vibrant Colombian city in the heart of the Córdoba department, stands out as an economic and cultural hub in the Caribbean region. Its development has made it a prosperous commercial and agricultural center. The city reflects a fusion of modernity and the preservation of its roots, manifesting itself in a constantly evolving infrastructure.
- Flight duration: 1 hour
- Arrival at: Los Garzones Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 475 miles
San Andrés – Santa Marta
Santa Marta, a coastal jewel of Colombia, is a destination that combines history, nature, and beach. Bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, this city captivates with its colonial charm and lively boardwalk. With the imposing Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as a backdrop, the city offers a unique blend of culture and biodiversity.
- Flight duration: 15 minutes
- Arrival at: Simón Bolívar International Airport
- Speed: 497 mph
- Distance: 78.2 miles
Considerations or Restrictions for Charter Flights in San Andrés
Special considerations for charter flights in San Andrés include:
Weather: San Andrés is located in a tropical climate zone, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. It is important to check the weather forecast before traveling.
Location: San Andrés is an island, so it is important to plan transportation to and from the airport.
Migratory Process for San Andres Charter Flights
At Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, the immigration process can be carried out at the same place, since Migración Colombia personnel move to the private hangar where the aircraft is located. This avoids queues and facilitates the boarding of passengers.
Below, we outline the traveler control process for charter flights conducted by Migración Colombia for your reference.
- 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.
That being said, remember to complete 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
- Travel to Colombia on your Private Jet – Hassle-Free 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
