Rafael Núñez International Airport
Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA: CTG, ICAO: SKCG) serves as the primary aerial gateway to the historic Caribbean port city of Cartagena, Colombia. Strategically positioned between the Caribbean coast and the Ciénaga de la Virgen marsh in the Crespo neighborhood, it stands as the largest airport in Colombia's northern Caribbean region by passenger volume.
The airport is named in honor of Rafael Núñez (1825–1894), a native of Cartagena and former president of Colombia, who is credited with writing the lyrics to the Colombian National Anthem.
Key Facts
- Location: Cartagena, Colombia (Crespo neighborhood).
- Operator: OINAC S.A. (under a 10-year administration and expansion contract starting March 1, 2024).
- Primary Hub: Avianca.
- Elevation: 7 feet (2.1 meters) above mean sea level (AMSL).
- Runway: Single asphalt runway (01/19) measuring 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) in length.
- 2018 Traffic: Approximately 5.46 million passengers and 7,073 tonnes of cargo.
Infrastructure and Capacity
The airport is designed to handle modern transatlantic aircraft operations. Its single asphalt runway is 60 meters wide and 2,600 meters long. The facility includes three bays accessible from the runway; aircraft typically taxi 1,000 meters down the runway before utilizing a 300-meter turn-over area to reach the take-off position.
Currently, the airport has the capacity to house 11 aircraft simultaneously and maintains "open skies" for charter operations, making it a flexible hub for tourism and commerce.
Airlines and Destinations
Rafael Núñez International Airport connects Cartagena to major cities across North, Central, and South America. While Avianca operates as a primary hub carrier, numerous international and domestic airlines provide scheduled and charter services.
International Connectivity
Major international carriers include American Airlines (Miami), Delta Air Lines (Atlanta), JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale, New York–JFK), and Copa Airlines (Panama City). Seasonal and specialized routes are provided by Air Canada and Air Transat (Montreal, Toronto), as well as Neos (Milan) and World2Fly (Madrid, beginning July 3, 2026). United Airlines is scheduled to begin services to Houston and Washington-Dulles on December 17, 2026.
Notably, KLM and Edelweiss Air operate flights to Amsterdam and Zurich via Bogotá; however, these airlines do not possess the traffic rights to transport passengers exclusively between Cartagena and Bogotá.
Domestic Connectivity
Domestic travel is dominated by routes to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and San Andrés Island, served by airlines such as Avianca, LATAM Colombia, JetSmart Colombia, and Wingo.
Airport Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO Codes | CTG / SKCG |
| Runway Surface | Asphalt |
| Runway Dimensions | 2,600m x 60m |
| Aircraft Capacity | 11 Aircraft |
| Coordinates | 10°26′33″N 75°30′47″W |
Safety Record
The airport's history includes a significant incident on January 11, 1995, when Intercontinental de Aviación Flight 256 crashed during its approach. The accident was attributed to pilot error and instrument failures, resulting in a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Rafael Núñez International Airport?
The airport is currently operated by OINAC S.A., which signed a 10-year contract on March 1, 2024, to manage and expand the facility.
Which airline uses CTG as a hub?
Avianca utilizes Rafael Núñez International Airport as a hub for its operations.
Can I fly directly to Europe from Cartagena?
Yes, there are connections to cities like Amsterdam (KLM) and Zurich (Edelweiss Air), though some operate via Bogotá. Additionally, World2Fly is scheduled to begin Madrid services in July 2026.
What is the runway capacity for large aircraft?
The 2,600-meter asphalt runway is sufficient to support modern transatlantic aircraft operations.
Where is the airport located in relation to the city?
It is located in the northern part of Cartagena in the Crespo neighborhood, situated between the Caribbean coast and the Ciénaga de la Virgen marsh.