Interior Minister Armando Benedetti announced that, on President Gustavo Petro's instructions, a major reconstruction of Ernesto Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla will begin. The president will visit the city in the coming weeks to outline the financial structuring and works details. The announcement comes after over a decade of delays in the airport's modernization.
Interior Minister Armando Benedetti stated that President Gustavo Petro has instructed the start of a major reconstruction of Ernesto Cortissoz Airport. "The president in the coming weeks will go to Barranquilla to make the announcements on the financial structuring and the details of how these works will be carried out," Benedetti announced.
The airport's modernization process has been marked by delays for over a decade. The Aeronáutica Civil took over administration in 2024 after the original private concessionaire exited. The initial contract, awarded in 2014 for $345 billion pesos, exceeded $600 billion, and after breaches, it went to Consorcio Infraestructura AIEC 2026, which also faces delays.
The Aerocivil announced investments close to $150 billion pesos for operations and infrastructure, still underway, though no technical details of the new plan have been provided. The Procuraduría General de la Nación is investigating potential failures in systems like air conditioning. Barranquilla's Mayor's Office requested to take over operations due to deficiencies in basic services and boarding areas.
Recently, the structure for national baggage conveyor belts was installed, with delivery expected by late May for interventions including elevators, escalators, and air conditioning.
