The process of internationalization of air connectivity in Colombia has taken an important step with the decision to transform El Alcaraban Airport in Yopal, Casanare, into a new international terminal.
The Special Administration for Civil Aviation announced the signing of a framework agreement for cooperation and mutual support with the Government of Casanare, the Mayor’s Office of Yopal and the Llanos Administrative Planning Area (RAP). It aims to adapt and strengthen the airport infrastructure of this city located in the Orinoquia region.
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The agreement, officially announced in Bogotá on November 12, 2025, establishes a joint roadmap to comply with the requirements required by Law No. 2368 of 2024 regulating the licensing of air terminals with international capabilities.
According to Aerocivil, the agreement “Establishing a coordinated roadmap that combines the necessary technical, administrative and managerial efforts to meet the infrastructure, airport services, institutional coordination, economic and tourism promotion requirements required for the internationalization of airport terminals.”.
In this way, the signatories undertake to develop the necessary technical, administrative and managerial measures to adjust the current infrastructure of the airport, improve services, ensure institutional coordination and promote the economic and tourism potential of the region.
The internationalization of El Alcaraban Airport responds to the national strategy to diversify the airport’s offering and promote economic development through tourism and commerce.. Through civil aeronautics, the central government strives to ensure that traditionally less connected regions such as Orinoquia have access to new opportunities to integrate with national and international markets.
Aerocibil emphasized that “the Transforming Government at the head of civil aviation is working to connect with the world with dignity, safely and in the open air. With this concerted action, therefore, we will make decisive progress towards building a more dynamic Orinoquia, which can offer more opportunities for its residents.”
El Alcarabán Airport, located in the capital of Casanare department, is considered a strategic node for air connectivity between Llanos and Orinoquia regions.
The transformation into an international terminal will strengthen the region’s competitiveness, promote commercial exchange, promote tourism and open new access routes to non-traditional tourist destinations.. Aerocivil emphasized that the airport is a “key driver of regional development.”
Law 2368 of 2024 has already granted the airport international status and established the Civil Eastern Regional Aviation Directorate in Yopal.
Nevertheless, Full-scale operation as an international terminal depends on the completion of studies and technical adjustments.. Initial resources have already been allocated for research, cargo terminal design, runway improvement and land acquisition, which will help adapt and strengthen the province’s main airport to take on international operations in the coming years, according to official information.
This cooperation agreement is fundamental as it adds to the municipal, departmental and regional efforts to make Yopal a city with better air connectivity and international presence.
The civil aviation sector will assume technical guidance and supervision of the standards that international airports must meet in terms of operational safety, infrastructure, support systems and regulations.
The internationalization of airports involves technical and operational challenges, such as implementing immigration and customs services and conforming runways and aprons to international standards.fuel loading infrastructure, and coordination with international airlines to specify new routes. It was noted that in recent political controls, although the law authorizes international operations, there are still delays in implementation.
Colombia has experienced sustained growth in the air traffic sector. From January to July 2025, the airport network moved more than 32.6 million passengers.however, most of this flow is concentrated in a few airports.
For this reason, expansion into areas such as Casanare is seen as a strategic bet to decentralize connectivity and foster regional development.
The official document states that the objective of the renovation of El Alcarabán Airport is to promote commercial exchanges, improve regional competitiveness, diversify the economy and open new possibilities for mobility for the residents of Casanare and neighboring departments.
Aerocivil reiterated: “With this concerted action, we are making decisive progress towards building a more dynamic Orinoquia with greater opportunities for its residents.”.
At this time, there is no definite date for the start of international operations at El Alcaraban de Yopal Airport. That process is still in its infancy and will depend on the progress of adaptation, certification and technical requirements established by commercial airlines.
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