Air transport in Colombia kicked off 2026 with rising figures, reflecting positive momentum in both the domestic and international segments.
In January, the country surpassed 5.5 million passengers carried, consolidating a growth trend that had been taking shape since the previous year and now shows a more pronounced acceleration in demand.
The increase, 7.3% compared with the same month in 2025, confirms that the aviation sector remains one of the pillars of connectivity and tourism in the country.
The combination of increased route offerings, airlines’ commercial strategies, and a gradual market recovery has driven a positive start to the year in both the domestic and international fronts.
Colombia’s air traffic rose in January, surpassing 5.5 million passengers
The dynamism of air traffic in January was primarily driven by the domestic market. More than 3.1 million passengers traveled on domestic flights, representing growth of nearly 9.5% compared with the same period of the previous year.
This performance reflects stronger demand for internal travel, largely driven by the year-end holiday season and early January vacations. It also shows improved connectivity between major cities and regional tourist destinations, which have gained prominence in recent years.
Airlines have played a key role in this expansion, with more competitive pricing policies and the strengthening of routes connecting intermediate destinations. Increased frequencies and a more diversified offering have allowed more Colombians to opt for air transport over other alternatives, consolidating a structural shift in mobility habits.
In contrast to the strong growth of the domestic market, international traffic showed more moderate gains. During January, nearly 2.4 million passengers traveled on routes to and from abroad, with growth of 4.5% compared with 2025, a record year for the arrival of international tourists.
Although the expansion is smaller, the data confirm Colombia’s consolidation as an attractive destination in the region. The recovery of source markets, along with the opening of new routes and increased frequencies, has sustained growth despite a global context still marked by adjustments in the aviation industry.
International performance also reflects certain challenges. Unlike the domestic market, where demand has grown more rapidly, international routes depend more heavily on external factors such as exchange rates, the global economic situation, and airlines’ operational capacity.
"El tráfico aéreo en #Colombia continúa consolidándose como un pilar estratégico para el sector turístico y la conectividad del país. En enero de 2026, el #tráficoaéreo total alcanzó 5.5 millones de pasajeros, lo que representa un crecimiento del 7,3% frente… https://t.co/auGL4HkiaG
— ANATO Nacional (@AnatoNacional) March 25, 2026
A sector consolidating after years of adjustments
January’s strong performance adds to the results of 2025, when air transport in Colombia carried more than 57.5 million passengers, with moderate growth of 1.7%.
The comparison shows that the start of 2026 not only maintains the positive trend but accelerates it. After years marked by volatility, airline restructuring, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, the sector appears to be entering a phase of greater stability and expansion.
In this context, air traffic reaffirms itself as a strategic component of the economy. It not only facilitates passenger mobility but also boosts tourism, strengthens trade, and improves territorial integration in a country with complex geography such as Colombia.
“The domestic market showed growth of 9.5% compared with January 2025, with 3.1 million passengers traveling on domestic flights; it is worth noting that this increase exceeds that observed in January of the previous year, when it stood at 3.3%. Meanwhile, international traffic recorded 2.4 million passengers, with growth of 4.5%, confirming Colombia’s positioning as an attractive destination in the region,” said Paula Cortes Calle, executive president of the Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO).
Competition and changes in the air market: outlook for 2026
Growth has also been accompanied by shifts in the structure of the market. In the domestic segment, some airlines maintain a high market share, while others gain ground with low-cost models and route expansion.
This competitive environment has benefited users, who find more options and better prices. At the same time, it forces companies to innovate and adjust their strategies to remain relevant in an increasingly dynamic market.
The consolidation of new airlines and the strengthening of existing ones reflect an industry in transformation, where operational efficiency and adaptability are key to growth.
January’s performance marks a solid starting point for the rest of the year. If the trend holds, the aviation sector could close 2026 with figures above those of the previous year, driven mainly by the domestic market.
However, the behavior of international traffic will continue to be key in determining the magnitude of overall growth. Factors such as the evolution of the global economy, operating costs, and international tourism demand will influence the pace of expansion.
With this, air transport data in Colombia continue to grow at a steady pace. With these figures, connectivity and tourism remain fundamental drivers of the country’s economic development.