⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
80
minutes
International → Domestic
80
minutes
International → International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón 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 Bogotá 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.
🔄 Connection Tips
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), serving the city of Cali, is one of Colombia’s most modern and efficient aviation hubs. Connecting through CLO is a straightforward experience because the airport consists of two main terminal areas—Domestic (T1) and International (T2)—that are housed in adjacent buildings and connected by a covered pedestrian corridor. This design allows passengers to move between sections on foot in just a few minutes without the need for shuttles. For domestic-to-domestic connections within the Avianca or LATAM networks, a connection time of 60 minutes is usually sufficient. However, if your journey involves an international arrival connecting to a domestic destination, you must allow at least 2 to 3 hours. As CLO will likely be your first point of entry into Colombia, you are required to clear immigration and customs, collect your luggage, and then re-check it at the domestic counters on the first floor. The immigration process is generally efficient, but queues can peak during mid-day and late-night international arrivals. CLO offers a variety of amenities to enhance the transit experience. Premium travelers can access VIP lounges in both the domestic and international sections, including the Avianca Lounge. For those with long layovers or early morning flights, the GHL Hotel Aeropuerto Cali is conveniently located on the third floor of the terminal building. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and the modern international terminal features an extensive range of duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants. The airport is located in Palmira, approximately 20 kilometers from Cali city center; official taxis and budget-friendly shuttles are readily available for the 45-to-60-minute journey to the city. Always ensure you utilize authorized transportation services from the official counters in the arrivals area.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Antonio Roldán Betancur Airport (APO) is the primary aviation hub serving the Urabá region of Colombia. Located in the municipality of Carepa, the airport is the main gateway for the nearby city of Apartadó and the surrounding agricultural heartland. Named after a former governor of the Antioquia department, the facility provides a critical link for both business travelers and residents, bypassing the complex overland routes to the department's capital, Medellín.
The airport's history is deeply intertwined with the region's economic development, having been inaugurated in 1974 to support the booming banana industry. Urabá is known as Colombia's 'Banana Axis,' and the airfield remains an essential piece of infrastructure for transporting personnel, equipment, and perishable goods. The approach to the runway offers travelers a distinctive and impressive view of the vast, emerald-green plantations that define the local landscape and economy.
Since the early 2000s, the airport has been managed by the private operator Airplan S.A., which has overseen a series of significant modernizations. A major upgrade in 2012 enhanced the terminal's capacity and comfort, introducing advanced air conditioning systems, modern baggage conveyor belts, and digital flight information displays. The single, compact terminal is designed for efficient passenger flow, ensuring that check-in and security processes are generally quick and uncomplicated.
Amenities within the terminal are tailored to the needs of regional travelers and include essential services such as small cafés, kiosks for refreshments, and local souvenir shops. The facility also provides comfortable waiting lounges, an ATM, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building. Its integrated layout means that walking times are minimal, making it a highly functional and user-friendly stop for anyone visiting the northern coast of Antioquia.
🔄 Connection Tips
Antonio Roldán Betancur Airport (APO) serves as the primary aviation gateway for the Urabá region and Colombia's critical 'Banana Axis.' For travelers, 'connecting' at APO typically involves a transition between a domestic flight from Medellín or Bogotá and local ground transportation to the nearby hubs of Apartadó and Carepa. The airport features a single, compact terminal building that is highly efficient, allowing for rapid transit between the gate and the arrivals area in under 10 minutes. Most commercial traffic is managed by regional carriers like SATENA and Clic (formerly EasyFly), which provide frequent daily links to Medellín's Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) and Rionegro (MDE). It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth transition through the standard security screening.\n\nGround transportation is well-integrated with the regional economy. Taxis are readily available at the rank outside the arrivals hall and provide a direct 15-minute connection to central Apartadó, located 12 kilometers to the northeast. While several bus operators like Sotrauraba provide long-distance links to Medellín (a 6-to-8 hour journey), air travel remains the highly preferred mode of transport for most visitors due to the complex terrain and historical security concerns along the overland routes. For business travelers heading to the vast banana plantations that surround the airfield, pre-arranging a private vehicle through your host or company is advisable, as on-demand options can be less frequent outside of major flight arrival windows.\n\nTravelers should be prepared for the high tropical humidity and sudden afternoon rain showers characteristic of the Antioquia lowlands. Given the region's industrial focus, it is essential to carry sufficient Colombian Pesos (COP) in cash for taxi fares and small local expenses, although major services at the airport and in Apartadó city center accept international credit cards.
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