๐จ๐ด Cali (Palmira), Colombia
Alfonso Bonilla Aragรณn International Airport (CLO/SKCL), also known as Palmaseca International Airport, is the primary aviation facility serving Cali, Colombia, and the broader Valle del Cauca region. Located in the municipality of Palmira, it is the third-busiest airport in the country, acting as a major hub for domestic travel across the Andes and providing critical international connections to the United States, Europe, and neighboring South American nations. Its location at a lower elevation than Bogotรก makes it a preferred departure point for heavily laden cargo and long-haul passenger flights.
The terminal at CLO is a unified structure that effectively manages both domestic and international passenger flows. Inside, the airport features a wide range of modern amenities, including multiple check-in halls, a vast selection of duty-free shops, and a variety of dining options ranging from traditional Colombian bakeries to international restaurant chains. One of the airport's most unique and pleasant features is its open-air terrace in the departures area, allowing travelers to enjoy Cali's warm, tropical climate and watch aircraft movements while they wait for their flights. Several premium lounges are also available for eligible passengers, offering comfortable seating, business services, and refreshments.
Operational capacity at CLO is anchored by a significant paved runway (01/19) that is 3,000 meters in length, allowing it to support large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330. Navigating through the airport is relatively easy due to its logical layout and clear signage. For ground transportation, the airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from Cali city center, with a range of options including frequent shuttle buses, official taxi services, and several international car rental agencies located within the terminal. Travelers are encouraged to utilize the authorized transportation services available at the airport for a safe and efficient journey to their final destination.
Alfonso Bonilla Aragรณn International Airport (CLO) is one of Colombia's stronger regional hubs, but the correct connection strategy still depends on distinguishing between the local terminal convenience and the process required for international-to-domestic or domestic-to-international moves. The terminals are close enough that the airport can feel easier than Bogotรก, which is true as far as walking goes. The process is still what matters, especially if baggage, immigration, and a fresh check-in are involved.
That means a domestic-to-domestic handoff at Cali can be fairly efficient, while any itinerary that crosses the border or mixes separate tickets should be treated more conservatively. The covered link between terminal areas helps, but it is not the same thing as having no transfer cost at all. For travelers ending their trip in Cali, the airport is a strong gateway to the city and the Valle del Cauca region. For travelers passing through, the safe move is to size the connection to the process, not just to the architecture.
CLO works best when you use the airport's compactness as an advantage without pretending it removes the normal international-domestic friction. The terminal design helps. The smart planning is still in allowing enough time for Colombian outbound or inbound processing when the itinerary gets more complicated than a simple domestic connection.
โข After security, head to the open-air terrace for fresh air and views.
โข It's a pleasant wait spot in Cali's warm climate at this airport.
โข Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
โข Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
โข Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
80 minutes
Interline transfers:
125 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources