Written by Jose Elias Del Hierro, with Del Hierro Abogados in Colombia

Introduction: A New Era for Aviation in Colombia

Colombia is undergoing a profound transformation in its aviation sector. With steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic, an open skies policy, strategic international alliances, expanding infrastructure, and a forward-looking sustainability agenda, the country is positioning itself as a strategic hub for air operations in Latin America. This evolution presents remarkable opportunities not only for airlines, but also for investors, airport operators, technology providers, and aviation services companies worldwide.

1. International Cooperation for Smarter, Greener Aviation

Colombia and Sweden have entered into a strategic partnership to promote sustainable and intelligent air mobility. Key initiatives include:

• Remote digital towers, with a pilot project in Bahía Solano.
• Implementation of artificial intelligence and data analytics in air traffic management.
• Technical collaboration with SAAB and other leading aerospace firms.
• Development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry with Swedish financial and technical support.

These projects, led by Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transport, reinforce the country’s commitment to modernizing its aviation ecosystem in line with environmental goals.

2. Colombia–Argentina Agreement: Open Skies in South America

The recently signed memorandum of understanding with Argentina liberalizes air transport between the two countries up to the Sixth Freedom of the Air, lifting restrictions on frequencies and carriers. The agreement enables:

• New regional routes between secondary cities.
• More competitive airfares.
• Greater stimulation of tourism and business travel.

3. Record-Breaking Passenger and Cargo Volumes in 2024

Colombia closed 2024 with an impressive 56.5 million passengers transported, a 14.3% increase over the previous year:

• 33.3 million domestic passengers.
• 23.2 million international passengers.

Cargo transport also reached a historic high, with 944,237 tons moved.  These figures are driven by route expansion, the arrival of new international carriers, and a proactive strategy to enhance domestic and global connectivity.

4. New Connectivity: 110 International Routes Authorized

In the last year, Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority approved more than 110 new international routes, connecting the country to:

• Europe: Spain, Italy, the Netherlands.
• Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
• Americas: Guatemala, Canada, Ecuador.

Carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways,  Ethiopian Airlines, and Edelweiss have expanded or launched operations in Colombia, underscoring global confidence in the Colombian market.

5. El Dorado: Latin America’s Most Ambitious Airport Modernization

The IP EDMAX (El Dorado Maximum Development) project aims to transform Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport into the most advanced air hub in Latin America. Highlights include:

• Estimated investment: USD 3.1 billion.
• Target capacity: 73 million passengers per year.
• Terminal expansion: +118%, reaching 489,320 m².
• Aircraft parking positions: increased from 99 to 129.
• Boarding bridges: expanded from 39 to 75.
• Cargo terminal upgrade: capacity increase to 1.2 million tons/year.
• Construction of an intermodal center, airport hotel, and new road access routes.
• Sustainability goals: carbon neutrality, LEED-certified buildings, and renewable energy integration.

6. Cali and the Pacific Region: New Airport Concession

The Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Cali handled nearly 7 million passengers in 2024 and is approaching the end of its current concession in August 2025. The private initiative “Aeropuertos de Occidente” proposes an investment of COP 4.2 trillion to modernize the airports in Cali and Buenaventura.

7. Proposed Tax Cut on Air Tickets

Bill 521 of 2025C proposes reducing VAT on airline tickets from 19% to 5% through 2027. This measure is expected to:

• Stimulate domestic tourism.
• Support the sector’s post-pandemic recovery.
• Improve air travel affordability for families.

Conclusion: Colombia—The Aviation Opportunity of the Moment

Colombia is emerging as a strategic global player in aviation. With transformative projects, historic growth figures, progressive policy, and international collaboration, the country is becoming a natural bridge for connecting people, markets, and innovation across the Americas.

A clear sign of Colombia’s momentum is that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has selected Bogotá as the host city for Wings of Change Americas 2025. The event, themed “The Frontier of Connectivity: Exploring New Opportunities in the Region,” will bring together industry leaders to explore sustainability, tourism, innovation, technology, and public-private collaboration.

Upcoming Events