Colombia has provided details about the project to build the new Cartagena de Indias airport, aimed at boosting tourist arrivals to the capital of tourism in the Colombian Caribbean.
This preferred destination for domestic and international tourists is preparing for a transformation in its air infrastructure, moving beyond the old Rafael Núñez Airport, which has operated since 1947 and surpassed 7.5 million passengers last year, solidifying its position as the country’s third-busiest terminal by passenger traffic.
The ambitious project for the new Cartagena International Airport, also known as the Bayunca International Airport, promises to significantly improve passenger reception capacity, facilitate access for international flights, and establish the city as a global tourism hub.
New Cartagena airport to boost tourism in the Colombian caribbean
The new Cartagena Airport will be one of the country’s most critical infrastructure projects in the coming years. With an announced cost of COP 4 trillion (approximately US$950 million), the new facility is projected to be a passenger terminal four times larger than the current one, featuring a 3,100-meter runway capable of handling transoceanic flights.
The project, officially named the Bayunca International Airport, aims to replace and complement the current Rafael Nuñez International Airport, whose capacity has been overwhelmed by the growing influx of domestic and international tourists.
Located about 30 kilometers from Cartagena’s historic center in the Bayunca district, the new airport will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and is estimated to handle up to 17 million annual passengers in its first phase, with potential expansion to 40 million in later phases.
The design includes two runways, a modern and sustainable passenger terminal, air cargo areas, hangars, commercial zones, and spaces for low-cost airlines, all of which will enhance the city’s competitiveness in the international market.
What will the new Cartagena airport look like?
The new Cartagena International Airport will be a modern, sustainable infrastructure adaptable to 21st-century needs.
As stipulated in the concession contract awarded in 2023, the airport will feature a 3,100-meter-long runway suitable for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, enabling direct flights from Europe, North America, and other regions worldwide.
The new terminal’s design includes:
- A 103,630 m² passenger terminal with an initial capacity to immediately serve over 17 million travelers annually, expandable to 40 million.
- VIP lounges, international-standard commercial and dining areas.
- Automated baggage handling systems.
- Green technologies, including solar panels, efficient water management, and bioclimatic design.
- Spacious, secure areas prioritizing traveler comfort, with 16 boarding bridges and 25 commercial aircraft parking positions.
The mega-project represents a multi-billion-dollar investment fully financed by private capital through a public-private partnership (PPP). It is expected to create 21,000 direct jobs, 16,000 indirect jobs, and 35,000 induced jobs, impacting sectors such as tourism, construction, logistics, and services.
Project progress: current status
To date, the new airport project has advanced through several key stages. In 2023, the contract for structuring the project was awarded, and once completed, it will be privately managed under a 30-year concession.
In 2024, technical, financial, and environmental feasibility studies were completed. The Colombian government declared the project a national and strategic priority, granting it streamlined permitting and funding processes.
Currently, the project is in the environmental licensing phase and consultations with local communities—a crucial step to ensure social viability.
Construction is expected to begin by late 2025, with the airport potentially operational by late 2029, pending compliance with timelines and necessary permits.
A catalyst for tourism and the economy in Cartagena and the Colombian caribbean
The new airport addresses an urgent need. The current Rafael Nuñez Airport, despite renovations, operates beyond capacity and is constrained by its urban coastal location, limiting expansion.
The new airport will attract long-haul flights from other continents without layovers, opening direct routes for high-spending tourists, conference attendees, investors, and major international events.
According to projections by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the airport could increase tourism by 30% in its first five years of operation, translating to over one million additional tourists annually—a significant figure for a city whose economy heavily relies on this sector.
While the project has been met with enthusiasm by many, it has also raised concerns among nearby communities and environmental organizations. Key challenges include managing ecological impacts in rural areas, compensating local farmers and fishermen, and protecting nearby ecosystems.
The government has stated that the project will be environmentally friendly and that compensation and citizen participation measures will be implemented to mitigate any negative effects.
Cartagena, Colombia’s Caribbean tourism capital
Cartagena de Indias, the jewel of the Colombian Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates travelers with its mix of history, architecture and vibrant culture. The Walled City, with its cobblestone streets and flowery balconies, invites you to lose yourself among squares such as San Pedro Claver and La Aduana, witnesses of the colonial past.
The imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, built in the 17th century on the San Lazaro hill, is one of the most emblematic fortresses in Latin America. A few steps away, the Getsemaní neighborhood displays its bohemian essence with colorful murals, live music and a gastronomic offer that fuses tradition and modernity.
The Clock Tower, the old main entrance to the city, stands as a symbol of Cartagena and a meeting point for locals and tourists. The beaches of Bocagrande and the nearby Rosario Islands offer a perfect contrast between history and nature.
Cartagena not only preserves its legacy, but also celebrates it with festivals such as the Classical Music Festival in January and the International Film Festival in March. A city where every corner tells a story and every visit becomes an unforgettable experience.