Domestic Flights in Colombia: Airlines, Routes and Travel Tips

In a country as geographically diverse as Colombia, domestic flights are one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to travel. Given the mountainous terrain and often long distances between regions, flying can save you hours, if not days, compared to ground transportation. Especially in 2025, Colombia offers a wide range of airlines, from full-service carriers to affordable low-cost airlines and regional providers.

In this article, we give you a comprehensive comparison of Colombian airlines, highlight their route networks, and share practical booking advice. Whether you're a backpacker, luxury traveler, family vacationer, adventurer, or business traveler, there are reliable and safe options available to help you explore Colombia by air with ease.

Avianca – Flagship Carrier with Top Connections

Avianca is Colombia’s largest and oldest airline, and one of the most recognized carriers in Latin America. As a full-service airline, Avianca offers a comprehensive travel experience: carry-on luggage is included, and depending on the fare, checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight services are as well. The comfort level is high – on major routes, Avianca operates modern jets with spacious seating and, in many cases, even Business Class. Safety and reliability are core priorities: the airline has modernized its fleet in recent years and upholds rigorous maintenance standards.

From its main hub in Bogotá (El Dorado International Airport), Avianca serves nearly every major city in the country: frequent daily flights operate to Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Bucaramanga, and Pereira, among others. Even remote destinations like Leticia in the Amazon and Riohacha in the Guajira region are part of the route map. On high-demand routes like Bogotá–Medellín, flights depart almost hourly, offering great flexibility for business travelers. For families and comfort-oriented passengers, Avianca is often the first choice, as it typically includes more luggage and onboard service than low-cost carriers.

Special Feature: Avianca maintains codeshare agreements with regional airline Clic Air (formerly EasyFly). This means you can book flights to smaller cities that Avianca doesn’t directly serve – Clic Air handles the feeder flights under Avianca’s booking system. Overall, Avianca is considered one of the best domestic airlines in Colombia due to its dense network and high reliability, making it ideal for both leisure and business travel.

LATAM Colombia – International Standard on Domestic Routes

LATAM Airlines Colombia is part of the LATAM Group, the largest airline group in Latin America. Originally operating as LAN Colombia, the airline connects major Colombian cities both to Bogotá and to one another. Its services and onboard experience are similar to Avianca: modern Airbus aircraft, punctual schedules, and options for seat selection, frequent flyer points (LATAM Pass), and lounge access for status passengers. LATAM caters to both frequent business travelers and tourists and provides a bilingual service experience, which is especially convenient for international visitors.

LATAM’s domestic network covers all major destinations. Bogotá is connected to Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, and Cúcuta. Multiple daily departures allow for flexible planning. Popular beach and island destinations are also served from Bogotá – for instance, LATAM flies to San Andrés in the Caribbean. While the LATAM Colombia network is slightly smaller than Avianca's, it continues to expand. Recently, LATAM announced new international routes from Bogotá to Aruba and Curaçao, scheduled to begin by the end of 2025 – another sign of growth for Colombian flight connections in 2025.

For travelers flying within Colombia, LATAM is a trustworthy airline offering international-quality service. Families and holidaymakers appreciate the reliable experience, while business travelers benefit from LATAM’s global partnerships (such as with Delta Air Lines for U.S. connections). LATAM offers tiered fare options: a basic Light fare without checked baggage competes with low-cost carriers, while higher fares offer more inclusions. LATAM is generally a bit more expensive than the cheapest low-cost tickets, but it provides strong punctuality and a low-stress travel experience.

Wingo – Affordable and Direct to Many Destinations

Wingo is a Colombian low-cost airline launched in 2016 as a subsidiary of Copa Airlines (Panama). Initially focused on budget-friendly international routes, Wingo significantly expanded its domestic flight operations after the 2023 exit of Viva Air and Ultra Air. By 2025, Wingo has positioned itself as Colombia’s leading low-cost airline, with an increasing number of routes and a growing fleet. It operates Boeing 737-800 jets with dense seating – not as spacious as Avianca, but perfectly adequate for Colombia’s short domestic flights of 1–2 hours. Onboard services are minimal: meals and drinks are available for purchase, and baggage rules are more restrictive (see our booking tips below). However, prices are often unbeatable – especially for early bookers.

Wingo flies to all major Colombian cities and also offers many nonstop routes that bypass Bogotá. For example, it connects cities that previously required layovers: Medellín–Cartagena, Medellín–Santa Marta, and Barranquilla–San Andrés are just a few. Wingo has also increased its presence on key trunk routes like Bogotá–Cali, Bogotá–Medellín, and Bogotá–Cartagena, boosting flight frequencies by around 10% in 2025. Today, Wingo serves a dozen domestic destinations with over 20 routes – and counting. According to recent company figures, Wingo expects to carry around 3.6 million passengers in 2025, firmly establishing itself as the country’s third major player in the domestic market.

For backpackers and budget travelers, Wingo is often the go-to choice, offering extremely cheap tickets with a bit of planning – ideal for tight budgets. Families and leisure travelers also appreciate Wingo for its straightforward direct flights to vacation hotspots. Good to know: Wingo is punctual and safe, but has strict rules (no free checked bag with basic fare, online check-in strongly recommended, etc.). If you follow these rules, Wingo is a very affordable way to travel the country. A bonus: Wingo’s website and app are available in English and relatively user-friendly – a major plus for international travelers.

JetSMART – New Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier with Rapid Expansion

JetSMART is the newest player in the Colombian market. The Chilean ultra-low-cost airline (backed by Indigo Partners, the investment group behind Frontier and Wizz Air) launched its Colombian subsidiary in March 2024 and has expanded aggressively since then. JetSMART Colombia operates brand-new Airbus A320neo jets, known for fuel efficiency and slightly quieter cabins, though with high-density seating – this is all about price, not luxury. As a ULCC, JetSMART’s model is even more stripped down than Wingo’s: base fares are extremely cheap, but virtually everything else (larger hand luggage, water on board, seat selection) must be purchased separately. For backpackers and ultra-budget travelers, this offers a great way to fly affordably – as long as you pack light.

Despite its recent launch, JetSMART already operates 16 domestic routes in 2025 and maintains bases in Bogotá and Medellín with around eight aircraft. Within a year, JetSMART has become a serious competitor. The airline focuses on high-demand corridors like Bogotá–Medellín, Bogotá–Cali, and Bogotá–Barranquilla, but also introduces new point-to-point routes. Recent additions include Cali–San Andrés, Bogotá–Santa Marta, and Medellín–Bucaramanga. JetSMART aims to fill the gap left by Viva Air, targeting price-sensitive travelers. Even some business travelers on tight budgets choose JetSMART, though they may sacrifice comfort.

In terms of reliability, JetSMART has improved since its launch – cancellations are now rare, and the fleet’s modernity inspires confidence from a safety perspective. However, the airline is still growing, meaning not every destination has daily service, and some routes may be adjusted based on demand. Still, JetSMART is bullish about 2025 and has announced plans to launch international routes from Colombia by the end of the year. Overall, JetSMART is a solid recommendation for anyone wanting to keep domestic travel in Colombia as affordable as possible – provided you're flexible and keep an eye on the extra fees.

Clic Air (formerly EasyFly) – Regional Flights to the Provinces

Clic Air, formerly known as EasyFly, is a Colombian regional airline specializing in domestic routes beyond the big cities. The airline rebranded in 2023, but its mission remains the same: connecting medium-sized and small cities underserved by major carriers. Operating a fleet of approximately 20 turboprop aircraft (ATR 42/72), Clic Air’s motto could be described as “from the hub to the hinterland” – and vice versa. From cities like Bogotá or Medellín, travelers can reach destinations such as Yopal, Villavicencio, Popayán, or Neiva directly, without needing a time-consuming connection. These flights often save passengers 8–12 hours of bus travel over rough terrain, making Clic Air especially appreciated by adventurous travelers and locals alike.

When flying Clic Air, passengers should adjust their expectations to a regional flight experience. ATR aircraft are small (48–70 seats), naturally louder due to propellers, and more sensitive to turbulence – which sometimes causes schedule adjustments or cancellations due to weather. Seating may be open or assigned with limited comfort. There’s usually no complimentary onboard service, though water or snacks may be available for purchase. Baggage allowances are tighter than on jet services: carry-ons are closely monitored, and checked bags typically range from 15–20 kg depending on the fare.

That said, Clic Air scores high for short-haul reliability – most flights take less than 1–2 hours – and opens access to unique regions such as San José del Guaviare, Pitalito (near San Agustín), Apartadó (Urabá region), or Bahía Solano on the Pacific coast.

For travelers interested in destinations off the beaten path – birdwatchers, NGO workers, or visitors headed to remote spots like Caño Cristales (via La Macarena) or San Agustín (via Pitalito) – Clic Air is often the fastest or only option. The airline now serves 35–40 destinations, some of which are integrated into codeshare agreements with Avianca – allowing international travelers to book remote routes on a single itinerary.

The main downside: booking through Clic Air’s website can be tricky. It’s mostly in Spanish, and international card payments sometimes fail (see our booking tips section). Overcoming this hurdle opens the door to exploring Colombia’s lesser-known diversity far beyond the cities.

Satena – Serving the Most Remote Corners of Colombia

Satena is Colombia’s government-run airline with a very specific mission: to connect remote and underserved regions with the rest of the country. “Satena” stands for Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales, a mission the airline has fulfilled since 1962. Operated by the Colombian Air Force, Satena is known for strong safety standards and highly trained crews. Its fleet consists of small regional jets (Embraer ERJ-145) and turboprops (ATR 42/72), which are capable of landing on short or rugged runways in isolated terrain.

Satena’s route network is remarkably extensive. As of 2025, it serves over 50 destinations in Colombia – more than any other airline. Many of these are locations that no other commercial carrier serves. Examples? From Bogotá or other hubs, Satena flies to Mitú (Vaupés), Puerto Inírida (Guainía), San Vicente del Caguán (Caquetá), Bahía Solano and Nuquí (Chocó, Pacific), Tumaco (Nariño), La Macarena (Meta), and Tolú (Sucre). Even small islands are connected: Satena operates a shuttle from San Andrés to Providencia, one of Colombia’s most pristine Caribbean islands.

In major cities, Satena often uses alternate terminals: in Bogotá, flights typically depart from the smaller Puente Aéreo terminal; in Medellín, from Olaya Herrera Airport rather than the large international airport. This often makes check-in quicker, but travelers should pay close attention to which terminal they need.

For eco-tourists and adventurers, Satena is a vital lifeline. Want to visit the Amazon region? Satena flies to Leticia, with onward connections into the jungle. Interested in Colombia’s eastern plains (Llanos) or planning a fishing trip on the Vichada River? Satena brings you within reach. The airline offers functional comfort – expect small cabins and tight baggage allowances (typically 15 kg checked baggage, with surcharges for extra kilos). Despite operating in challenging weather and terrain, Satena is praised for maintaining reliable service where roads and infrastructure are limited.

Though these flights may feel adventurous to foreign travelers, rest assured: Satena is under strict government oversight and meets all civil aviation safety standards. For anyone looking to experience Colombia beyond the usual tourist trail, Satena is an indispensable option.

Moon Flights – Small but Mighty in the Pacific and Antioquia

Moon Flights is a small regional carrier based in Medellín, founded in 2021 and operating scheduled flights since 2022. With just six Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft (19 seats each), Moon Flights focuses on routes in northwest Colombia, particularly between Medellín and rural towns in Antioquia and along the Pacific coast.

Moon Flights is somewhat comparable to a charter airline with a semi-regular schedule. The main base is Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín, from which it flies to towns like Apartadó (Urabá), Caucasia, El Bagre, and Pacific destinations such as Bahía Solano, Nuquí, Acandí, and Quibdó. These regions are famous for biodiversity, whale watching, untouched beaches, and rainforest exploration – places that are inaccessible by road or take days to reach by land and boat.

Flight frequency varies by route and season. Usually, there are 1–2 weekly flights per destination, sometimes with intermediate stops (e.g. Medellín – Bahía Solano – Quibdó – Medellín). Moon Flights also offers regional connections between remote communities, like Bahía Solano–Nuquí–Quibdó.

Travelers should expect no frills. The Jetstream aircraft are tight, there’s no inflight service beyond water, and turbulence is more noticeable. Still, for many eco-adventurers, this is part of the charm. Pilots are often ex-military and well-trained, and Moon Flights complies with all Colombian aviation safety regulations. That said, delays and schedule adjustments due to weather or low passenger numbers are common – flexibility is essential.

Moon Flights is ideal for travelers with specific goals: whale watching in Nuquí, hiking in Bahía Solano, or exploring the village of Capurganá on the Panamanian border. Many of these routes are not listed on major travel sites, so flights are best booked via local agencies or on site. If language or payment issues arise, an agency like Chaska Tours can assist. Moon Flights is a great example of how even Colombia’s remote corners are becoming more accessible by air.

Regional Route Coverage and Travel Planning Tips

Colombia is a vast country with diverse geographic regions, which makes domestic air travel incredibly useful. Here's a quick overview of which airlines are best for specific regions and what travelers can expect:

• Major Cities and Main Routes: The Bogotá–Medellín–Cali triangle forms the backbone of domestic air travel. These central Andean routes are served by all major airlines (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, JetSMART) with high-frequency daily departures. Other large cities like Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga, and Cúcuta are also well-connected, often with direct flights from Bogotá. For business travelers, the frequent early-morning and late-evening departures make day trips possible. Leisure travelers benefit from competition on these routes, often finding great deals if they are flexible with dates. Punctuality is generally strong on these high-traffic routes due to better infrastructure – though Bogotá can experience occasional delays from morning fog or afternoon thunderstorms.

• Caribbean Coast & Islands: Coastal destinations like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and the island of San Andrés are among the most popular tourist spots. All major carriers fly here multiple times per day from Bogotá. Medellín and Cali also offer direct connections, especially with Wingo and Avianca. San Andrés is primarily served from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. There’s no direct flight to Providencia Island from the mainland – you fly to San Andrés first and then take a Satena shuttle or small charter aircraft for the short hop. Note: all visitors to San Andrés must purchase a tourist card (~125,000 COP / $30), available at departure gates or airline counters. Smaller airports like Riohacha (gateway to the Guajira Desert) or Valledupar (Vallenato music capital) are less frequently served. Avianca and Clic Air sometimes offer routes here, though they may be seasonal. If a direct flight isn’t available, flying to a nearby major airport and traveling by road is often the best alternative.

• Pacific Coast: Colombia’s Pacific coast is rugged, lush, and largely roadless – air travel is essential. Quibdó is reachable from both Bogotá and Medellín via Avianca and Clic Air. Smaller towns like Nuquí and Bahía Solano are accessible primarily via Satena or Moon Flights, usually from Medellín’s Olaya Herrera Airport. You may also find regional hops between coastal towns, such as Bahía Solano–Quibdó–Cali (Satena). In the south, Satena connects Guapi and Tumaco to Cali or Bogotá. These regions are ideal for eco-tourism, diving, and whale watching, but flights are weather-dependent. Pack light: baggage limits are often just 10 kg.

• Amazon & Orinoco Regions: Colombia’s Amazon region is remote and majestic. The town of Leticia, at the triple border with Brazil and Peru, is only reachable by air or boat. Avianca and LATAM fly daily from Bogotá to Leticia. Further travel requires river transport or small regional flights (some operated by Satena). The Orinoco region (eastern plains) includes destinations like Villavicencio, Yopal, Puerto Inírida, Puerto Carreño, and Mitú. These are served mostly by Clic Air or Satena from Bogotá. Villavicencio can also be reached by road (approx. 3–4 hours), but flights save valuable time. This is one of the most remote regions of Colombia – perfect for safaris, wildlife trips, or humanitarian work. Most flights use small aircraft with 15 kg luggage limits, and some make multiple stops en route.

• Central Andes & Coffee Region: Cities like Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira are located in the scenic coffee triangle. Pereira and Armenia have larger airports served by Avianca, LATAM, and Wingo. Manizales, due to its short runway, is typically served only by Clic Air or Satena. Alternative: fly to Pereira and continue by road.

  Other Andean destinations include Popayán and Pitalito (near San Agustín archaeological park), both reachable with Clic Air or Satena. Flights are short (approx. 1 hour), and save many hours of mountainous bus travel.

Practical Tips for Booking Domestic Flights in Colombia

A bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s what every international traveler should know:

• Booking Platforms & Airline Apps: Colombian airlines offer discounts through their own apps. Sometimes you’ll find better deals there than on international platforms like Expedia or Kayak. For Wingo, JetSMART, Avianca, and LATAM, international OTAs work well.

  However, Satena, Clic Air, and Moon Flights are not always listed. These must often be booked directly on their websites (Spanish only), or through local agencies. Don’t hesitate to ask us at Chaska Tours for help – we can arrange domestic flights as part of your trip.

• Payment Methods & Limitations: International card payments sometimes fail on Colombian airline websites, especially with Satena and Clic. Use cards with Verified by Visa/Mastercard SecureCode, and try different browsers or the mobile app.

  Some fares are only available in COP (Colombian pesos) and require local payment methods like PSE (a Colombian bank network). One workaround: switch the website’s country setting to the U.S. to enable USD pricing and foreign cards.

  If nothing works, contact a local travel partner. We at Chaska Tours frequently handle these issues for our clients.

• Fare Classes & Baggage Rules: Low-cost carriers offer a bare-bones fare that usually includes only a personal item (like a small backpack, ~10 kg max). Overhead bin luggage and checked bags cost extra, and are far cheaper if booked online in advance.

  Wingo and JetSMART may charge double at the airport. Avianca and LATAM’s mid-range fares usually include 23 kg checked baggage; Satena and Clic Air allow around 15 kg. Extra kilos cost around 3–5 USD per kg.

  Tip: Weigh your bags before leaving your hotel, and purchase luggage add-ons before you get to the airport.

• Check-In & Boarding Rules: Some low-cost carriers charge extra for airport check-in (e.g. Wingo, JetSMART). Be sure to check in online and bring a digital or printed boarding pass.

  Domestic flights require arrival at the airport 2 hours before departure. For small terminals (like Medellín’s Olaya Herrera or La Macarena), 1 hour may suffice – but delays and queues are always a risk.

  Be aware of which airport terminal you need. Bogotá and Medellín have multiple terminals:

  • Bogotá: Most flights depart from Terminal 1; Satena/Clic use Puente Aéreo (T2).

  • Medellín: Jet flights use José María Córdova (MDE); regional flights depart from Olaya Herrera (EOH).

Common Problems from Abroad

Besides payment issues, travelers often encounter:

• Confirmation emails in Spanish (use Google Translate).

• Last-minute flight time changes (especially for small aircraft and weather-sensitive regions).

• SMS updates sent to local Colombian numbers.

  
  

Solution: track your flight status online the day before, and provide a local contact number (hotel or Colombian SIM) when possible.

When to Book & Pricing Trends

Flight prices in Colombia are dynamic. Midweek is cheapest, while weekends and holidays are most expensive. Book 3–6 weeks in advance for best deals, especially with Wingo or JetSMART. Avianca and LATAM sometimes offer last-minute fares, but don’t count on it.

Final Thoughts

Flying domestically in Colombia is fast, affordable, and increasingly reliable. Thanks to strong competition and a growing number of regional carriers, you can reach nearly every corner of this beautiful country in just a few hours.

Need help booking flights, choosing the right carrier, or organizing your route? We at Chaska Tours are happy to assist – especially if you have preferences for fewer stopovers, generous baggage, or off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Buen viaje – and see you in Colombia!