Colombia’s Aviation Sector Surges Beyond Pre-Pandemic Levels in Q1 2024

Colombia’s aviation landscape is witnessing a remarkable resurgence, as overall capacity within the country is poised to surpass 2019 figures by an impressive 43% in the first quarter of 2024. This significant growth is a testament to the robust recovery and expansion efforts in both the domestic and international segments of the market.

The domestic sector is leading the charge with a projected seat capacity of approximately 11.6 million seats during the initial three months of the year. This marks a substantial increase from the 8 million seats recorded in the first quarter of 2019, highlighting the strong demand and confidence in Colombia’s internal connectivity. On the international front, the country is not far behind, with departure seat numbers reaching around 3.3 million. This represents a remarkable 40.5% jump from the pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the growing appeal of Colombia as a global destination and a key player in the international aviation market.

At the forefront of this upward trajectory are Avianca and LATAM Airlines Group, two major airlines that have significantly expanded their operations over the past year, especially in the wake of challenges such as the exit of Ultra Air and Viva from the market. Avianca, in particular, has seen its capacity within and from Colombia surge by 37% year-on-year for Q1 2024, while LATAM has also posted a notable 30% increase in its capacity, showcasing their commitment to facilitating travel and enhancing connectivity across Colombia.

This expansion aligns with insights shared at Routes Americas 2024, where industry analysts have been closely monitoring the developments in Colombia’s aviation sector. The data from OAG Schedules Analyser further solidifies the optimistic outlook for the country’s aviation landscape, indicating a robust recovery and a promising future for air travel in and out of Colombia. With such dynamic growth, Colombia is set to reinforce its position as a leading aviation hub in the region, driving economic growth and fostering connections worldwide.