Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Located in the suburban municipality of Soledad, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (IATA: BAQ, ICAO: SKBQ) serves as the primary aviation hub for Barranquilla, the capital of the Atlántico department in Colombia. Named after one of the nation's aviation pioneers, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the northern region of Colombia, particularly regarding cargo movements and Caribbean connectivity.
The airport functions as a focus city for Avianca, Colombia's flag carrier, and is designed to accommodate large widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 747, Boeing 767, and Airbus A350.
Key Facts
- Location: Soledad, Atlántico, Colombia (12 km from Barranquilla center).
- Opened: April 7, 1981.
- Runway: A single asphalt runway measuring 3,000 meters (9,843 ft).
- Status: Fifth largest airport in Colombia by passenger and cargo volume.
- Open Skies: Designated as an "open skies" airport since July 2007 to boost tourism.
- Elevation: 30 meters (98 ft) above mean sea level (AMSL).
Historical Evolution
The history of aviation in Barranquilla began with the Soledad International Airport, constructed by SCADTA. In its early years, it served as a primary maintenance and operations center for domestic flights. International connectivity was initially provided by Pan American Airways using DC-3s and Boeing 307 Stratoliners to destinations like Miami, Kingston, and Panama City.
By 1946, the airport saw a surge in global connectivity. Avianca introduced DC-4 services to New York and Miami, while British South American Airways operated "The Lightning Route to Europe," a weekly flight to London via Bermuda that took 26 hours. In the 1950s, the site became a premier Latin American maintenance hub, featuring specialized workshops for hydraulics, propellers, and electro-mechanical systems certified by the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
As aviation evolved, the original Soledad facility became insufficient for modern jet airliners. This led to the construction of the current Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, which was inaugurated on April 7, 1981, by President Julio Cesar Turbay. The new facility featured a 35,000 square meter terminal and a 3,000-meter runway.
Airport Infrastructure and Facilities
Runway and Airfield
The airport features a single asphalt runway (05/23) measuring 3,000 meters in length and 45 meters in width. It is equipped with a parallel taxiway and three concrete turn-offs. Both ends of the runway are categorized for Precision Category I instrument flight operations.
Passenger Terminal
The terminal is divided into two primary restricted areas to streamline traffic:
- Domestic Terminal: Utilizes gates 6 through 13. Gates 6-9 are equipped with boarding bridges, while gates 10-13 require passengers to walk across the ramp.
- International Terminal: Utilizes gates 1 through 5. All gates except gate 1 feature jet bridges.
The facility includes 36 check-in posts, duty-free shopping, and various dining options. Luggage is handled via two conveyor belts in a dedicated first-level room.
Cargo Operations
The cargo terminal occupies the former passenger terminal building, spanning 9,000 square meters. It can accommodate up to two aircraft simultaneously at its loading dock. The airport remains a leader in cargo movements for northern Colombia.
Airport Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO Code | BAQ / SKBQ |
| Operator | Operadora Aeroportuaria del Caribe S.A.S. |
| Runway Length | 3,000 m (9,843 ft) |
| Passenger Movement (2016) | 2,911,703 |
| Cargo Movement (2016) | 34,527 T |
| Air Operations (2016) | 40,321 |
Airlines and Destinations
The airport connects Barranquilla to major domestic and international cities. Key operators include:
- International: American Airlines (Miami), Copa Airlines (Panama City), Air Europa (Madrid - starting Dec 2026), JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale - starting Oct 2026), and Z Air (Curaçao).
- Domestic: Avianca, LATAM Colombia, JetSmart Colombia, SATENA, Clic, and Wingo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the airport named after?
The airport is named after Ernesto Cortissoz Alvarez-Correa, a Barranquilla-born entrepreneur and co-founder of SCADTA in 1919, who died in one of Colombia's first plane crashes in 1924.
What does the "open skies" designation mean for BAQ?
Granted in July 2007, the "open skies" designation allows any airline in the world to fly to Barranquilla on any route and with any frequency, aimed at promoting tourism to the Caribbean coast.
Can the airport handle large aircraft?
Yes, the infrastructure is capable of accepting widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 747, Boeing 767, and Airbus A350.
Where is the airport located in relation to Barranquilla?
The airport is located in the municipality of Soledad, approximately 12 kilometers (7 miles) from the center of Barranquilla.
What is the current status of the passenger terminal?
The terminal has been undergoing renovations to modernize facilities, though completion dates were shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.