After reaching a record 57.5 million passengers in 2025, Colombia has carried the momentum into 2026, exceeding 10 million travelers in the first two months of the year, up 7.4% year-on-year. After several static years, it appears that domestic travel in particular is back on a growth path while international traffic continues its strong trend.

A combination of aggressive airline expansion, resilient macroeconomic conditions, and continued strength in tourism demand is driving the growth.

Airline Capacity Expansion Is Driving Supply Growth

The domestic growth comes on the back of aggressive expansion from JetSMART which, since launching Colombian domestic operations in 2024, has rapidly expanded its footprint. The airline posted 37.8% growth in the domestic market in January 2026 and increased its market share to 12%. The carrier’s low-fare model is stimulating new demand rather than simply diverting traffic, particularly in a price-sensitive market still adjusting after the collapse of Viva Air in 2023.

In 2026, JetSMART continues to broaden its Colombian network, adding new destinations and increasing frequencies on trunk routes. The carrier is also beginning selective international expansion from Colombia, including leisure routes such as Punta Cana, indicating its next phase of its development.

Avianca continues to reinforce Bogotá’s role as a regional connecting hub through international network expansion. Recent additions such as Bogotá–Monterrey and Bogotá–Belém reflect this strategy.

LATAM Colombia is also increasing its international footprint in 2026. The airline has announced higher frequencies on international routes and expanded connectivity through Bogotá, including strengthening service to Orlando and the Caribbean.

Tourism Market Diversification

Inbound tourism remains a major growth driver for Colombia, although the composition of demand is shifting. The USA is the largest international market. While travel from Colombian expatriates and Colombian-origin visitors in the United States has softened, and fewer US visas have been granted to Colombians, overall inbound tourism has stayed resilient due to stronger performance from other international markets, particularly Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Latin America. Canada alone posted more than 20% growth in seat capacity in 2025. This diversification reduces Colombia’s reliance on traditional U.S. VFR demand.

As a result, the U.S. share of international passengers has reduced from 27% in 2024 to 22% in 2026 (first two months), registering declines in traffic volumes in both 2025 and 2026. On the other hand, the expansion of Copa in the country can be noted, with significantly more passengers to its hub in Panama, further distributed over Central America and the Caribbean mainly.

The Need for Airport Expansion

To support Colombia’s growth, which is expected to continue, major expansion projects are planned at several airports.

• Bogota's El Dorado Max: ANI reactivated a feasibility review in early 2026 after a four-month suspension. This expansion program is planned to materially increase terminal and apron capacity to allow for 70 million passengers annually. Evaluation of the private proposal is expected to conclude in the first half of this year. If approved, this would allow the concession/tender process to move ahead with a potential concession award early in 2027.
• Cartagena Rafael Núñez: Construction of a new international terminal, full remodelling of the existing terminal, apron expansion, and the addition of boarding bridges. Construction is underway with phased completion expected by early 2028.
• Medellín (MDE): The airport has released a masterplan to 2055, which targets growth from 14 million passengers in 2025 to over 40 million by 2055. The first phase (2026–2030) will raise capacity to 22 million passengers through terminal optimization, apron expansion, rapid-exit taxiways, and remote stands. The second phase (from 2030 onwards) includes the construction of a 4,000-meter parallel second runway and a new central terminal of 200.000m², transforming the airport into a dual-runway hub over the long term.

Colombia’s aviation market appears well-positioned for continued above-trend growth over the medium term. Airline expansion, diversified tourism inflows, and improving domestic economic conditions are key drivers. With all major airports at, or close to, capacity limitations, the planned expansion projects are now urgently required to support the growth outlook.