Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority Authorizes Gradual Airport Reopening Following Post-Earthquake Technical Evaluation
The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aviation (Aerocivil) has issued an updated status report on airport infrastructure following an earthquake across Colombian territory, confirming the progressive reactivation of key terminals under strict safety protocols.
Infrastructure Evaluation and Operational Safety
Specialized personnel in infrastructure, operational safety, air navigation services, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) teams conducted rigorous technical inspections across the country’s aviation facilities. The deployment established a gradual reopening under specific conditions for various terminals in affected areas, prioritizing operational safety and regional air connectivity.
Despite structural damage to certain ground facilities, the Air Navigation Services Directorate confirmed that national airspace operations remain fully active and uninterrupted. Communication, surveillance, navigation, and meteorological systems are operating with complete stability and full coverage across Colombian territory.
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Operational Status by Airport
Resumption of Commercial Flights
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport – Cali: Commercial operations have resumed as normal. Inspections revealed no damage to the passenger terminal or aircraft movement areas.
- El Caraño Airport – Quibdó: Regular commercial operations have resumed as a controlled airport following facility status verification.
- El Edén Airport – Armenia: Commercial air service has been restored as a controlled airport. However, due to structural conditions within the terminal building, it will temporarily be unavailable as an alternate airport for other aircraft.
- Gerardo Tovar López Airport – Buenaventura: Cleared for commercial operations operating as an uncontrolled airport.
- La Nubia Airport – Manizales: Operating as an uncontrolled airport while repairs are underway on the control tower, which sustained structural cracking and broken glass. The runway and movement area remain in optimal safety conditions.
Terminals with Restrictions and Temporary Closures
- Matecaña International Airport – Pereira: Scheduled commercial operations remain suspended. The facility is operating exclusively for state flights, medical evacuations, search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian relief. This measure will remain in place while crews address runway cracking, the disruption of Air Traffic Services (ATS) communication systems, and ongoing evaluations of the control tower. The corresponding NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) has been issued in coordination with the municipal airport operator.
- Santa Ana Airport – Cartago: Operating as an uncontrolled airfield, restricted exclusively to state aviation, emergency response, and humanitarian missions in coordination with local authorities.
- Guillermo León Valencia Airport – Popayán: Temporarily closed due to the presence of volcanic ash in the area, enforcing preventive operational safety protocols.
Passenger Guidance and Monitoring
Aerocivil has deployed Customer Care and Mediation teams across terminals to assist affected travelers. Passengers with scheduled flights to or from the impacted areas are advised to check their flight status directly with their airlines and monitor official civil aviation authority channels for further updates.
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