The union of Migración Colombia started an indefinite strike from Tuesday, December 3, demanding salary and labor improvements. Although, by law, they cannot completely cease their activities, they implemented a «turtle plan» that could cause delays in migration processes at airports across the country, just as the busiest air traffic season of the year approaches. This protest coincides with the implementation of the operation «Mission Christmas», designed to ensure operational efficiency in air transport during the holiday season.

In a statement, the unions UAEMC (Unidad Especial Migración Colombia) and MRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) pointed out that their demands include salary improvements, the expansion of vacancies to balance the workload, and a response to what they describe as an adverse work environment affecting the mental health of the workers. They criticize the lack of tangible results after several meetings with government representatives.

“The workers express complete rejection of the mockery with which government representatives have held several meetings without significant progress in the working conditions of Migración Colombia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees,” the statement reads.

The protest occurs at a critical time for the aviation sector, which is preparing to move millions of passengers during the year-end holidays. As part of the «Mission Christmas» operation, the Civil Aviation Authority projects a 13% increase in air traffic compared to the same period last year.

According to data from the entity, it is expected that between November 2024 and January 2025, more than 3.2 million passengers will use the country’s airport terminals, with domestic destinations such as Cartagena, Medellín, and San Andrés, and international routes to the United States, Spain, and Peru, among the most popular.

To cope with this high demand, Aerocivil announced infrastructure improvements at key airports such as El Dorado in Bogotá and San Andrés, in addition to coordinating slot allocations and air traffic services.

However, the «turtle plan» could compromise the fluidity of processes, affecting both operators and passengers, especially on international flights. From El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, one of the union leaders of Migración Colombia’s staff expressed to the media that a meeting will take place today with Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo, where they will present the National Government with their demands and request the hiring of 544 additional staff to meet the passenger demand.

Recommendations are issued to minimize inconveniences:

• Arrive earlier at the airports.
• Check flight schedules with airlines.
• Use biometric registration if available.
• Review required documentation, especially for minors.

For its part, ALTA (Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association) expressed concern about the potential impact these incidents may have on air transport users, tourism, connectivity, and Colombia’s economy.

“The commitment to this essential public service, which involves connectivity, economic development, and passenger experience, must be a priority shared by all those involved. We trust that necessary measures will be taken to avoid further disruptions in the air transport system,” ALTA stated.

 

Spanish document: