Monteria, Colombia, has opened its first two international connections, marking a milestone in its airport development with the launch of new routes to Quito and Panama. Starting May 10, 2026, the capital of the Córdoba department will be directly integrated into the international air network, a step that responds to the growing demand for connectivity in the Caribbean region.
For years, Monteria has been considered an intermediate city, with an airport primarily focused on domestic flights and limited options for direct international travel. This situation required travelers to make connections in cities such as Bogotá or Medellín to leave the country. However, the strengthening of its infrastructure and local economic growth have driven the need to open new international routes.
New international routes from Monteria, Colombia
The new operations will be handled by the Ecuadorian airline Aeroregional, which will connect Monteria with Quito (Ecuador) and Panama. Flights will operate twice a week, specifically on Sundays and Thursdays, departing from Los Garzones Airport, the city’s main air terminal.
The aircraft assigned to these routes will have the capacity to carry up to 160 passengers, serving both tourism and business travel demand. Additionally, initial fares are expected to start at US$225 per one-way trip, positioning these routes as a competitive option for travelers seeking direct flights from the region.
The connection to Quito will facilitate access to the Andean region, while the route to Panama will open the door to one of Latin America’s main air hubs, offering connections to multiple international destinations. This integration not only reduces travel times but also improves overall travel efficiency.
What does it mean for an airport to be international?
Monteria’s move toward internationalization is also the result of a technical and regulatory process that goes beyond simply launching new routes. For an airport to obtain international status, it must meet a series of requirements established by national and international authorities.
Among these requirements is the implementation of migration and customs controls, which involves the presence of entities such as Migracion Colombia and DIAN to oversee the entry and exit of passengers and goods. Additionally, airports must adopt aviation security protocols aligned with international standards, including baggage screening and border control measures.
In terms of infrastructure, the airport must provide adequate facilities for international operations, such as dedicated waiting areas, security checkpoints, and baggage handling systems. These upgrades ensure efficient and safe operations for passengers arriving from abroad.
Finally, certification as an international airport is granted by Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil), which verifies compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In the case of Los Garzones Airport, meeting these conditions, along with the operation of regular international routes, solidifies its new status.