Cartagena Airport Surpasses 7.2 Million Passengers, Sets New Traffic Record
Cartagena has broken its air passenger record in 2024, further solidifying Rafael Núñez Airport as the third most important terminal in Colombia. International traffic grew by 22%, driven by new airlines and expanded connections to additional countries.
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), serving Cartagena, recorded 7,510,922 passengers in 2024, according to its concessionaire, OINAC. This milestone solidifies its position as Colombia’s third-busiest airport.
OINAC reported a 16% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023 and a 30.9% rise from 2019. The 2024 figure surpassed the previous record of 7,211,274 travelers set in 2022.
International passenger traffic also reached a historic high, with 1,671,204 passengers, reflecting a 22% growth compared to 2023.
“At OINAC, we proudly celebrate this historic achievement, which marks a turning point for Rafael Núñez Airport. This milestone not only confirms Cartagena’s global appeal but also strengthens its position as a leading tourist destination in Colombia and the Caribbean,” said Carlos Cuartas, OINAC’s concession manager. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing security, connectivity, and the city's international projection.
Cartagena’s Air Travel Recovery and New Market Players
The airport’s growth comes amid Colombia’s full recovery from the pandemic-driven aviation crisis and the collapse of local airlines such as Viva, Ultra Air, and San Germán Express. In response, Avianca and LATAM absorbed part of the demand, the government bolstered SATENA, and in 2024, JetSMART entered the domestic market.
As Colombia’s top tourist destination, Cartagena has seen a significant expansion in international connectivity. In 2024:
- NEOS launched flights to the city.
- Edelweiss resumed seasonal operations.
- Plus Ultra, Arajet, Wingo, Avianca, and LATAM increased their frequencies.
Looking ahead to 2025, Cartagena will gain a new international route with Aeroméxico’s revival of the Mexico City service. Additionally, Air Canada has announced plans to begin operations in the city.
Plans for a New Airport in Cartagena
The record passenger numbers have reignited discussions about the need for a new airport to accommodate growing demand. In early 2025, progress was reported on the Cartagena de Indias Airport City project.
The new terminal will be built in Bayunca and will span 103,630 square meters. The estimated investment exceeds $12 billion, and in 2024, an independent evaluator was selected under Colombia’s National Infrastructure Agency (ANI).
If deemed viable, ANI will launch the bidding process in 2026. The new airport is projected to handle over 17 million passengers, featuring:
- 16 boarding bridges
- 25 remote positions
- 22 positions for general aviation
- A runway capable of 35 operations per hour—nearly double the current 19 at Rafael Núñez Airport.
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