⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ), also known by its ICAO code SLCO, is a significant international aviation gateway serving the city of Cobija and the Pando Department in the northernmost part of the Bolivian Amazon. Located just a few kilometers from the borders with both Brazil and Peru, the airport acts as a critical link for the region's prominent timber, nut, and rubber industries. The facility is managed by AASANA and is recognized for its strategic importance in connecting the isolated Pando region with the rest of Bolivia.
The airport features a functional passenger terminal that is designated as an official Airport of Entry, meaning it is equipped with permanent customs and immigration facilities to handle international traffic. The terminal building is designed for efficient regional operations, housing check-in counters, a centralized security screening area, and a comfortable waiting hall. The airfield consists of a single 2,000-meter asphalt runway (02/20) that is capable of handling the medium-haul jet aircraft and regional turboprops that connect the Amazonian lowlands with the high-altitude hubs of the Andes. Amenities within the terminal include several small cafes serving local Bolivian refreshments, basic retail kiosks, and essential restroom facilities.
Commercial services at CIH are primarily anchored by Bolivia's major domestic carriers, including Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet. These airlines provide frequent non-stop links to national hubs such as La Paz (LPB), Cochabamba (CBB), and Santa Cruz (VVI), as well as regional destinations like Trinidad. These routes are vital for the economic and social integration of the Pando Department, offering a significantly faster alternative to the arduous overland journeys through the jungle. Ground transportation into central Cobija is exceptionally efficient, with local motorcycle taxis ('moto-taxis') and traditional taxis providing quick 10-15 minute transfers to the city center and the international bridges.
🔄 Connection Tips
Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ) serves as a critical international gateway in northern Bolivia, strategically located in the "triple border" region near Brazil and Peru. Because the airport handles domestic and limited international traffic, "connecting" here requires a clear understanding of the regional air network and border logistics. The primary commercial air links are provided by Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and EcoJet, which connect Cobija to national hubs like Santa Cruz (VVI) and La Paz (LPB). Most flights to Santa Cruz now require a stopover in La Paz, making the total travel time approximately 4.5 hours. If you are connecting to a long-haul international flight in Santa Cruz, it is essential to allow a minimum buffer of 5 hours to account for potential afternoon tropical storms in the Amazon. For those heading to the border, the "Friendship Bridge" to Brasiléia, Brazil, is just a 10-minute taxi or moto-taxi ride from the airport. It is vital to obtain your exit stamp from the Bolivian immigration office in Cobija before crossing. If your destination is Peru, you must travel through Brazil to the Assis Brasil/Iñapari crossing, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Road travel from Cobija to other major Bolivian cities is extremely difficult and can take over 48 hours during the November to April rainy season; flying is the far superior choice. Upon arrival at CIJ, motorcycle taxis are the fastest way to reach central Cobija or the border posts. While waiting for your flight, look for local Amazonian "Castaña" (Brazil nut) products in the terminal kiosks, which are a regional specialty. Always verify your flight status on the carrier app, as schedules in the Pando region can be adjusted based on seasonal weather patterns.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Bermejo Airport (BJO) is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Bermejo in the Tarija Department of southern Bolivia. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,250 feet, the airport features a single 1,500-meter asphalt runway (01/19). The facility serves as a vital logistical point for the region's prominent sugarcane industry and provides an essential aerial link for commerce and government administration in a territory located directly on the international border with Argentina.
The passenger terminal at BJO is a modest, functional building designed to manage domestic regional traffic with high efficiency. It features a centralized departures and arrivals area that integrates check-in counters and a basic security screening process. While the facility is primarily focused on domestic connections to the regional capital, Tarija, and the national hub of Santa Cruz, it plays a critical role in providing rapid access to this isolated corner of the Bolivian Chaco. The terminal architecture is straightforward, designed for rapid passenger processing and easy navigation for both business travelers and local residents.
Amenities within the terminal reflect its regional character, including a small cafe area serving traditional Bolivian refreshments and snacks. Travelers have access to basic restroom facilities and a comfortable waiting area with views of the airfield and the surrounding tropical landscape. Ground transportation is well-supported by local taxi services and private vehicle arrangements that connect the airport to the Bermejo city center, located just a few kilometers away. For those transiting to Argentina, the airport is conveniently positioned near the international bridge, though travelers are advised that all customs and immigration procedures must be conducted at the border crossing rather than the airport terminal.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting through Bermejo Airport (BJO) is a straightforward process due to its compact single-terminal layout and focused domestic schedule. For travelers transiting from regional flights to local ground transport, the design ensures you can move from arrivals to the terminal exit in under three minutes. Most connections at BJO involve transitioning to the international border crossing with Argentina, located just a short drive from the airfield. To ensure a smooth journey, coordinate your ground transfers in advance, as taxi volume is typically synchronized with scheduled arrivals.
Travelers should allow 60 to 90 minutes for departures to clear the security checkpoint, which is optimized for regional turboprop aircraft. There is no automated baggage transfer for separate tickets; all luggage must be manually retrieved and re-checked at the main hall for onward missions. During the peak harvest season for the sugar industry, the airport can see increased activity from corporate and government charters, so early arrival is recommended. For those with a wait, the small cafe in the public area provides a cozy spot to stay updated while waiting for your transfer.
In the event of a missed connection, the airline representative desks are in the main ticketing area. Because daily commercial frequencies are limited, early communication with your carrier is essential for arranging alternatives. Ground transportation is conveniently located near the exit, with a dedicated rank for official taxis providing quick links to the city's commercial district and the international bridge. For a seamless connection to the Tarija wine region or the business centers of Santa Cruz, ensure your flight itinerary is shared with your local contact to facilitate a rapid transition.
← Back to Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport