Source: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today renewed its call on the government of Colombia, the country’s civil aviation authority (Aerocivil), and airport operator OPAIN to work collaboratively in improving the operational efficiency of Bogota’s El Dorado Airport. The airport, the main aviation gateway to the country and a regional hub, is operating near maximum capacity.

In order to optimize operations at the airport, several airlines and Aerocivil commissioned IATA to perform a capacity study in 2023. The results of the study estimated that 100 operations per hour could be reached, if a set of 23 measures – short, medium, and long-term – were implemented. This could generate a 47% increase in capacity, compared to the number of operations assessed during the study.

At present, only three of the recommendations have been implemented with a further six in process. It is therefore essential that all open items be addressed and agreed actions be taken without further delay.

An additional measure to improve the limited infrastructure in El Dorado is to implement the slot monitoring process. The Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG) are the foundation of the global slot coordination process and must be applied consistently and in its entirety for the benefits to be fully realized at congested airports. However, the government of Colombia has recently directed Aerocivil to draw up a new policy for allocating slots at El Dorado Airport. This proposal would no longer align Colombia with the WASG.

Deviating from the global best practice WASG could lead to the following:

  • Fewer flight options: Airlines may have to reduce routes if rules are unclear, limiting travel choices for passengers.
  • Higher ticket prices: Less choice generally translates into higher fares, making travel less affordable.
  • Weaker trade links: Cargo flights could be disrupted, especially affecting exports like flowers and fresh produce.
  • Tourism decline: With less reliable connectivity, Colombia could lose ground to competitors’ airport hubs like Panama City or São Paulo.
  • Economic impact: Aviation supports jobs across tourism, trade, and services. Reduced connectivity means fewer opportunities for Colombians.

It is essential the government of Colombia consider that air travel is more than planes and airports. It’s about keeping people, businesses, and communities connected. In 2025, over 47 million passengers traveled through Colombia, helping the country become South America’s top travel destination and a growing hub for trade and investment.

The wider aviation value chain, including airlines, airport operators and on-site businesses, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), manufacturers, employee spending and tourism activities bring the overall GDP contribution of USD 15.5 billion to the Colombian economy and supports 920,800 jobs.

This success is in part due to the fact that a predictable and internationally aligned system governs how airlines are allocated and make use of takeoff and landing times.

“Demand for air travel in Colombia remains strong, but capacity at major airports, especially Bogota, continues to be severely constrained. Clear measures exist that can immediately improve efficiency at El Dorado, and we urge the authorities and the airport operator to act now. Full adherence to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines by the government remains essential and that includes the slot monitoring processes. Deviating from global standards would undermine connectivity and reduce choice for travelers. Collaboration is critical, and IATA stands ready to work with all stakeholders to deliver a more efficient, reliable, and passenger‑focused airport operation”, said Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas.