Your Guide to Medellin Colombia Airport Travel
Medellin has rapidly become a top travel destination in South America. With its beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no surprise to anyone that more and more visitors are flocking to this Colombian gem.
If you’re planning a trip to Medellin, chances are you’ll be flying into José María Córdova International Airport. However, navigating through a new airport can be a bit challenging, especially if it’s your first time in Colombia.
Airports are more than just travel hubs. They are more than just terminals, counters, gift shops, and runways. They are a true social and cultural space. They are their own entity, where the rules of the airport are totally different from the world outside.
Case in point, they’re a place wherein people accept that a bottle of water costs three times what it should. They’re a place where it’s socially acceptable to drink liquor at six in the morning. Essentially, when you’re in an airport, the normal rules of society do not apply.
This is why it’s good to become familiar with the airport you are passing through because each one has its own history, cultural significance, population, and even unspoken rules.
The Two Airports of Medellin
Medellin, Colombia has two airports: Olaya Herrera Airport and Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. Of the two, Olaya Herrera is the older and only serves domestic flights. Jose Maria Cordova, on the other hand, serves both domestic and international travelers. So if you’re a foreigner traveling to Medellin, this will be your first point of contact in the country and the last place you visit before you go home.
Photo by Kamilokardona / CC-BY-SA-3.0
When you are in Medellin and wish to travel to other regions in Colombia, you may prefer the Olaya Hererra Airport. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to avoid the longer waiting time of the bigger international airport.
Jose Maria Cordova serves the Medellin metro area. However, it’s not technically in Medellin, as it’s located in the nearby city of Rionegro, which was chosen over the municipality of Barbosa. The Tunel de Oriente was opened in 2019 and is a highway that cuts the commute from Medellin to the airport down to 20 minutes, down from the previous time of 45 minutes.
International Travel through Jose Maria Cordova
So, what’s the story behind Jose Maria Cordova? Why was it built when Olaya Herrera, formerly known as Medellin International Airport, was already functional? It’s because while the older Medellin, Colombia airport was operational, it wasn’t functioning correctly.
Medellin’s rapid expansion in the 1940s meant that more people needed to be served by the airport and the more advanced aircraft that were coming out at the time needed better facilities in order to be properly maintained. Between those two factors, the airport’s ability to handle passengers was overwhelmed and the runway and other existing facilities had to be overhauled.
Despite the renovations, the airport was once again stretched beyond its limits by the 1970s and it was decided that a newer, larger airport would have to be built. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport thus opened in 1985, resulting in the older airport’s closure in 1986 before public demand had it reopened as a domestic airport in 1991. Jose Maria Cordova’s opening also saw an exponential increase in the number of international passenger movements.
Further Expansion
The airport’s domestic terminal was expanded in 2017, going from 445,100 square feet to 540,000 square feet. Five new gates were added during the expansion and because of it, the airport’s passenger capacity went up to 11 million annually. The expansion also made space for more retail and dining options, as well as increased the number of informative digital displays. Additionally, the expansion also made space for more car rental options.
But the passenger terminal wasn’t the only expansion that this Medellin, Colombia airport underwent. The cargo terminal was also expanded in February 2020, increasing from 150,000 square feet to 170,000 square feet.
If you are a traveler flying from the United States, expect to make a stop at either Florida or New York first as Florida and New York are the only places where you can fly to Medellin non-stop, with other locations having at least 1 layover. Likewise, if you’re flying to America, expect a stop in Florida or New York as well.
There’s also free Wi-Fi in the passenger terminal, so you can access the internet without needing to switch to a local SIM or pay international data charges.
What Amenities Do They Have?
So, other than waiting around for flights and going through security checks, what is there to do at this Medellin airport? Well, like all international airports, it’s got a few amenities to help travelers pass the time while they wait for their flights, such as:
1. Restaurants and cafés
There are plenty of dining options available at the airport, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
2. Duty-free shopping
The airport has a range of duty-free stores where passengers can buy everything from electronics to souvenirs.
3. Banking and currency exchange
There are several banks and currency exchange offices located at the airport, making it easy for travelers to obtain local currency or take care of any banking needs.
4. ATMs
There are multiple ATMs located throughout the airport, so passengers can withdraw cash if needed.
5. Wi-Fi
The airport offers free Wi-Fi access for all passengers.
6. VIP lounges
For passengers looking for a more exclusive and comfortable experience, the airport has several VIP lounges with amenities such as complimentary snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, and private work areas.
7. Medical services
The airport has a medical center with trained personnel to provide basic medical assistance to passengers in need.
Helpful Tips When Traveling in the Medellin Airport
Most helpful tips for international travel apply when in these airports. International airports generally function similarly around the world.
Arrive early. Plan to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to navigate security, check-in, and other procedures. The airport recommends arriving at least 3 hours before your international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight.
Bring a power bank. The airport offers free Wi-Fi, but if you plan on using your phone or other devices extensively, it’s a good idea to bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
Dress in layers. The weather in Medellin can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as needed. The airport can also get chilly, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
Keep important documents handy. Make sure to keep your passport, boarding pass, and any other important documents in an easily accessible place, such as a purse or backpack.
Use official taxis. When leaving the airport, it’s best to use official taxis that are authorized by the airport to ensure your safety. These taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and you can easily identify them by their white color and airport logo. Avoid using unlicensed taxis, which can be unsafe and may overcharge you.
There is a famous saying that goes: It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
There is no better example of that than air travel. Your time in Medellin will be unforgettable. You will see vibrant street art and stunning views of the valley, taste rich coffee, and meet unbelievably friendly locals.
But it’s often our time in airports that get our juices flowing.
So when you plan your trip to Medellin, don’t forget, the airport is part of the journey.
