Updated on 03/13/2024
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!
Exploring Colombia is a unique experience. If you’re interested in getting to know this amazing country, we can help you discover the ideal flight options for your trip, whether it’s within Colombia or to and from abroad.
Content
Overview of the Colombian Aviation Industry
Colombia’s aviation industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth after all of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the restrictions that the travelers and the industry had . According to data from the Colombian civil aviation administration (Aerocivil), at the beginning of the year 2023 the airline industry in Colombia has shown significant growth in recent years, positioning it as a benchmark in the region.
In spite of this, the figures for the first semester of 2023, showed that there were several obstacles that place the air transport sector in red alert, since the return of VAT started to be established again on air tickets and also after two airlines recognized for their low prices will cease operations. These obstacles affect mainly the users, who today must pay more expensive tickets and there is less “low cost” offer.
This situation has left a large gap in air transportation, which represents approximately 28.9% of the domestic market. Now this industry has taken the initiative to make a change and fix this serious situation. In the first quarter of the year, Aerocivil reported that domestic flights fell 5.4 % compared to 2022. However, the outlook for international flights showed a high growth rate of 30.9% compared to last year.
Airports in Colombia
The focal point of the country’s aviation infrastructure is El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, serving as the main hub for Avianca, Colombia’s national flag carrier. In 2023, El Dorado was awarded as the best airport in South America in the latest edition of the Skytrax World Airport Awards, a badge that it achieved for the second consecutive year. It also ranked fourth among the best airports in the world with traffic between 30 and 40 million passengers. All this was for his great work in the year 2022.
Colombia boasts other important international airports, such as:
- José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Medellín
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) in Cali
- Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena
- Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla
- Matecaña International Airport (PEI) in Pereira
- Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ) on San Andrés Island
- Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET) in Leticia
- Palonegro International Airport (BGA) in Bucaramanga
- Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC) in Cúcuta
- Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta
- Los Garzones International Airport (MTR) in Montería
- Almirante Padilla International Airport (SKRH) in Riohacha
- El Edén International Airport (AXM) in Armenia
The future of Colombian aviation
Looking to the future, Colombia has a significant opportunity to establish itself as a key player in the regional and global aviation industry. The projections by Airbus suggest that Latin America will require 2,685 new aircraft between 2018 and 2038, indicating a growth rate of 4.3%, outpacing North America (3%) and Europe (3.3%). Colombia’s strategic location, competitive infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it an ideal candidate to capitalize on this demand.
The country’s favorable business environment, combined with its ability to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, positions it as a vital cargo and passenger transport hub in the region. Additionally, the presence of reputable companies offering certified services and value-added products further bolsters Colombia’s potential in the aviation sector. With a skilled workforce to cater to the demand for pilots and technicians, the country is well-poised to carve a prominent place in the aviation industry’s future landscape.
National and International Flights in Colombia
There are some airports in Colombia and their national and international flights.
Bogotá, Distrito Capital, El Dorado International Airport, BOG
International Flights
- Amsterdam – KLM, Air Canada, Copa Airlines Air Europa, Air France
- Atlanta – Delta, Spirit, LATAM, American Airlines, JetBlue
- Barcelona – Avianca
- Buenos Aires – Avianca, LATAM
- Calgary – Air Canada, American Airlines
- Cancun – Avianca, Wingo
- Ciudad de Guatemala – Avianca, Wingo
- Dallas – American Airlines, Spirit
- Fort Lauderdale – Spirit, Avianca, Copa Airlines
- Guayaquil – Avianca, Wingo, LATAM
- Houston – United Airlines, Spirit
- Istanbul – Turkish Airlines
- La Paz – Avianca, LATAM
- Lima – Avianca, LATAM
- London – Avianca, Delta
- Madrid – Iberia, Air Europa
- Mexico City – Avianca, AeroMexico
- Miami – Avianca, American Airlines, Spirit, JetBlue, LATAM
- Newark – United Airlines, Avianca
- New York – Avianca
- Panama City – Copa Airlines, Avianca, LATAM
- Paris CDG – Air France
- Punta Cana – Avianca, Wingo
- Québec – Air Canada
- Quito – Avianca, Wingo
- Rio de Janeiro – Avianca
- San Salvador – Avianca
- Santo Domingo – Avianca, Wingo
- Sao Paulo – Avianca
- Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Avianca
- Santiago de Chile – LATAM, Avianca, JetSmart
- Toronto – Air Canada
- Vancouver – Air Canada
- Washington DC – Avianca
National Flights
- Apartado – Satena
- Armenia – Clic, Avianca
- Barrancabermeja – Avianca
- Barranquilla – LATAM, Avianca
- Bucaramanga – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – LATAM, Avianca, Wingo
- Cartagena –LATAM, Avianca
- Corozal – Avianca, Satena
- Cucuta – Avianca
- Florencia – Avianca
- Ibague – Avianca
- Leticia – LATAM
- Manizales – Clic, Avianca
- Medellin – LATAM, Avianca
- Mitu – Satena
- Monteria – LATAM, Avianca
- Neiva – Clic, Avianca
- Pasto – Avianca
- Pereira – Avianca
- Popayan – Avianca
- Puerto Asís – Clic, Satena
- Riohacha – Avianca
- San Andres – LATAM, Avianca
- Santa Marta – , LATAM, Avianca
- Valledupar – Avianca
- Villavicencio – Avianca
- Yopal – Avianca
Medellín / Rionegro, Antioquia, José María Córdova International Airport, MDE
International Flights
- Fort Lauderdale – Spirit
- Mexico City – AeroMexico
- Miami – Avianca
- New York – Avianca
- Panama City – Copa Airlines
National Flights
- Barranquilla – Avianca
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – Avianca
- Cartagena – Avianca
- Santa Marta – Avianca
- Monteria – Avianca
Cartagena, Bolívar, Rafael Núñez International Airport, CTG
International Flights
- Amsterdam – KLM
- Cartagena-Fort Lauderdale –
- Fort Lauderdale-Cartagena – Spirit
- Panama City – Copa Airlines
- Toronto – Air Canada
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – GCA Airlines
Cali / Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, CLO
International Flights
- Fort Lauderdale – Spirit
- Panama City – Copa Airlines
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca, Wingo
- Medellin (Rionegro) – Avianca
- Medellin – Satena, Clic
- Bahía Solano – TAC
- Barranquilla – GCA
- Bucaramanga – GCA
- Cartagena – Avianca
- Cúcuta – GCA Airlines
- Guapi – Satena, TAC
- Ipiales – Satena
- Pasto – Clic
- Puerto Asís – Clic
- Quibdó – Clic
- San Andrés – GCA
- Santa Marta –
- Timbiquí – TAC
- Tumaco – Satena, Clic
Armenia / La Tebaida, Quindío, El Edén International Airport, AXM
International Flights
- Fort Lauderdale – Spirit
National Flights
- Bogota – Clic, Avianca
- Medellin (EOH) – Clic
Barranquilla / Soledad, Atlántico, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, BAQ
International Flights
- Fort Lauderdale – Spirit
- Miami
- Panama City – Copa Airlines
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – GCA, Avianca
- Medellin – Avianca
- Medellin (EOH) – LATAM
Bucaramanga / Lebrija, Santander, Palonegro International Airport, BGA
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Arauca – Clic
- Cali – Avianca
Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Camilo Daza International Airport, CUC
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
- Arauca – Clic
Leticia, Amazonas, Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport, LET
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM
Manizales, Caldas, La Nubia Airport, MZL
National Flights
- Bogota – Clic, Avianca
Medellín, Antioquia, Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, EOH
National Flights
- Apartadó – Clic
- Armenia – Clic
- Barranquilla – Satena
- Corozal – Clic
- Ibagué – Clic
- Quibdó – Clic
Pasto / Chachagüí, Nariño, Antonio Nariño Airport, PSO
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
Pereira, Risaralda, Matecaña International Airport, PEI
International Flights
Panama City – Copa Airlines
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
Popayán, Cauca, Guillermo León Valencia Airport, PPN
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
Quibdó, Chocó, El Caraño Airport, UIB
National Flights
- Cali – Clic
- Medellin (EOH) – Clic
Riohacha, La Guajira, Almirante Padilla Airport, RCH
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia, Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport, ADZ
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – GCA
- Medellin – LATAM, Avianca
Santa Marta, Magdalena, Simón Bolívar International Airport, SMR
National Flights
- Bogota – LATAM, Avianca
- Cali – LATAM, Avianca
- Medellin – Avianca
Valledupar, Cesar, Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport, VUP
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
Villavicencio, Meta, Vanguardia Airport, VVC
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
Yopal (El Yopal), Casanare, El Alcaraván Airport (El Yopal Airport), EYP
National Flights
- Bogota – Avianca
How to Book your Flight To or From Colombia?
Below, you can find a list with the best airline fares for your next visit to Colombia:
International Airlines
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AIR CANADA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AMERICAN AIRLINES
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR COPA AIRLINES
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR KLM
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AIR EUROPA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AIR FRANCE
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR SPRIT
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR IBERIA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR JETBLUE
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AVIANCA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR LATAM
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR WINGO
National Airlines
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR AVIANCA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR LATAM
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR WINGO
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR SATENA
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST RATES FOR CLIC
Requirements for International Flights to Colombia
If you are planning to visit Colombia from another country, you need to be aware of the current entry requirements for international travelers. These requirements may vary depending on your nationality, vaccination status, and travel history. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for your trip:
Arrival at the Airport
Something important to keep in mind before your trip, is that the access to the airport will be a maximum of 3 hours before the departure of the flight. This in order to avoid crowds at the air terminal.
Check-MIG form
Every traveler, regardless of age and vaccination status, entering Colombia needs to complete a Check-MIG form between 24 hours and 1 hour before the planned departure. The Check-MIG form is an online application that collects information about your health and travel history. You can access the Check-MIG form here. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code that you must show to the immigration authorities upon arrival in Colombia.
Visa
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to enter Colombia. Citizens of the EU countries and 75 non-EU countries can travel to Colombia without a visa if the planned stay is up to 3 months. Some countries, however, need to obtain a visa before departure. You can check the visa requirements for your country here. If you need a visa, you must apply at the nearest Colombian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Travel document
You must have a valid passport or ID (depending on your nationality) that is valid at the time of entry and for the duration of your stay in Colombia. You must also have at least one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp unless you are enrolled in Migración Automática, a program for frequent travelers.
Requirements for International Flights from Colombia
The following requirements apply to international flights from Colombia:
Check-Mig
All travelers must complete the Check-Mig form online within 72 hours of their flight. This form is available on the Migración Colombia website.
Documentation
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa for international flights from Colombia, and also your passport. You will present all these documents to the authorities at the airport. Citizens of the EU countries and 75 non-EU countries can travel to Colombia without a visa if the planned stay is up to 3 months. Some countries, however, need to obtain a visa before departure.
In addition to these requirements, you may also be asked to present your passport, visa, and proof of onward travel.
FAQs for Colombian Citizens
- For information on the passport procedure in Bogotá, follow this link https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/pasaportes/requisitos.
- To book your appointment for the procedure, follow this link: https://tramitesmre.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites/enlinea/agendamiento.xhtml
- For the issuance of passports outside Bogotá you should consult directly with the Governor’s Offices in the departments where this document is issued.
- Visa procedures should be consulted directly with the consular or immigration authorities of the destination country.
- If you need assistance abroad, you can obtain information from the officials present in the country you are in through this link: https://tramites.cancilleria.gov.co/ApostillaLegalizacion/directorio/misionesExterior.aspx.
- For citizen service, follow this link: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/help
Requirements for domestic flights within Colombia
If you are planning to fly domestically within Colombia, there are a few requirements you will need to meet in order to board your flight. These requirements include:
- A valid national identity document. This can be your Colombian passport, cédula de ciudadanía, or cédula de extranjería. If you do not have a Colombian national identity document, you may be able to use your passport from another country.
- A valid boarding pass. You will need to have a valid boarding pass in order to board your flight.
In addition to these requirements, there are a few other things you should keep in mind when flying domestically within Colombia. These include:
- Check-in time. You should check in for your flight at least 1 hour before departure. If you are checking in online, you should do so at least 24 hours before departure.
- Baggage restrictions. There are restrictions on the amount of baggage you can bring on a domestic flight within Colombia. You can usually bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag.
- Security. You will need to go through security before boarding your flight. This includes having your luggage checked and your person screened.
More about transportation in Colombia
- How To Get Around Colombia Like A Pro: An Expert Transportation Guide
- Flight guide to Colombia
- How to travel by bus in Colombia without problems
- What charter flights are and why you should choose them for your next trip
- Charter flights and helicopter tours in Colombia
