Alfonso B. Aragon Airport

Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport, also known as Palmaseca Airport, is the main aerial gateway to the world of vibrant salsa and the evergreen Valle del Cauca. Located between the cities of Palmira and Cali, it serves as a vital transport hub for the entire southwestern part of Colombia. This modern, 24-hour airport is one of the busiest in the country and is frequently used as an alternative to the capital's El Dorado Airport.

For your convenience, we have compiled key information about the airport in the table below.

One of the key features of the airport is its structure, which includes two separate terminals: one for domestic flights and the other for international ones. This allows for efficient passenger flow management, making the security control process faster and more comfortable. The airport operates 24 hours a day, ensuring flexibility for travel planning and accommodating transit flights connecting North and South America. Thanks to its strategic location and developed infrastructure, Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport is a convenient and modern starting point for exploring the cultural richness and natural beauty of Colombia.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO), serving the city of Cali. If you have any questions regarding your flight, schedule, or airport services, we recommend reaching out via the contacts listed below.

• Official Website: www.aerocali.com.co. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Help Desk Phone: +57 (602) 666 3026. This is the main number for contacting the administration and obtaining general information.
• Address: Recta Cali-Palmira Km 18, Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Please note that the airport is located between the cities of Palmira and Cali.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@aerocali.com.co or the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on their official pages on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram (@aerocali_info).
• Lost Luggage: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left behind within the airport terminal, you can call the main number and ask for the Lost and Found department (Objetos Olvidados).
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, please use the airport help desk phone number.

There are several ways to get to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO), which serves the city of Cali and its surroundings. The airport is located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of the city centre, and travel time depends directly on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Special shuttle buses (busetas) run between the airport and Cali's main bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes de Cali). This is a convenient method if you are travelling light. The journey takes about an hour but can take longer during peak hours. The ticket price is quite reasonable, making this an attractive option for economical tourists.

Taxis and Transfers offer a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. Official taxi counters are located in the arrivals area. It is recommended to use the services of accredited companies or agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. A trip to the centre of Cali will take approximately 45-60 minutes. Ride-hailing apps are also popular and may offer competitive rates. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage, you can book a private transfer in advance.

For those planning to actively explore the Valle del Cauca region in Colombia, car rental is the optimal solution. Offices of several international and local rental companies are present at the airport. Having your own transport gives you complete freedom of movement. If you are arriving at the airport in your own car, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport (CLO) has a simple and clear structure consisting of two main terminals: National (Domestic) and International. They are located in adjacent buildings, making navigation between them quick and convenient for passengers on both domestic and international flights.

The airport layout is intuitive. Generally, the Arrivals Zone is on the ground floor of both terminals, where passengers collect baggage and clear customs (for international flights). The Departures Zone, check-in counters, and security checkpoints are located on the first floor. The transition between the national and international terminals is via a covered pedestrian corridor, and the walk takes just a few minutes.

The International Terminal is the more modern part of the airport. Here you will find spacious waiting lounges, duty-free shops, and various cafes and restaurants. It serves all flights outside Colombia. The National Terminal, in turn, is focused on serving the numerous domestic flights connecting Cali with other cities in the country. Although older, it is also equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait, including shops and food outlets.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance to complete all formalities. For domestic flights, allow about 1.5-2 hours, especially during peak hours. For international flights, it is better to arrive 3 hours before departure to leisurely go through check-in, passport control, and security screening. Although the airport is not overly large, it is always useful to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from to avoid unnecessary haste.

The history of Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport is closely linked to one of the most important sporting events in the history of Cali — the VI Pan American Games. It was for this event in 1971 that this aviation complex, modern for its time, was built and inaugurated, replacing the old "Calipuerto" airport. This event gave a powerful boost to the infrastructure development of the entire region and made the city more accessible to international guests.

An interesting fact: the airport is physically located not in Cali itself, but in the neighbouring municipality of Palmira, which ensures convenient logistical connections and space for further expansion. It was named in honour of Alfonso Bonilla Aragon, a renowned Colombian journalist and public figure who actively advocated for the necessity of building a new major airport for the prosperity of the Valle del Cauca region.

Since its opening, the airport has gone through several stages of development. In its early decades, it established itself as a vital node not only for passenger transport but also as one of the key cargo hubs of Colombia, handling the export of flowers, fruits, and other produce from the fertile valley. Its strategic position in the southwest of the country contributed to the constant growth of traffic and the strengthening of its role in the national air transport system.

The most significant modernisation in the airport's recent history was completed in 2017 with the commissioning of the new international terminal. This large-scale project allowed for the separation of domestic and international flight flows, significantly increasing capacity, improving passenger comfort, and implementing modern service technologies. The old terminal was completely reconstructed and now exclusively serves domestic airlines, making the airport one of the most functional in the country.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport (CLO) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need here for a pleasant wait for your flight.

The terminal houses numerous restaurants and cafes where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, and other exclusive goods. For those seeking greater comfort, VIP lounges are available, offering a private atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and work zones.

Staying connected is easy: free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations ensure your gadgets are always ready for use. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are equipped for holding meetings or working in silence.

Financial matters can be resolved right at the airport thanks to the presence of bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. A 24-hour medical centre is available to look after your safety and health, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Ramps, special restrooms, and assistance services are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. Families with children will also find necessary amenities, including mother and child rooms. If you have an early departure or a long layover, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable accommodation.

At Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport (CLO), travellers will find diverse options for a snack or a full lunch, allowing them to experience local cuisine or choose familiar international dishes. Most establishments are concentrated in the main public area (landside), before security control, but there are also places to eat in the departures area (airside).

Before proceeding to boarding, you can visit the food court in the main hall. Here you will find well-known fast-food chains as well as restaurants offering more substantial meals. This is the best place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. After passing security control in the national and international departure lounges, the choice narrows down to cafes, bars, and small kiosks where you can buy sandwiches, pastries, and beverages.

While in Cali, be sure to try something from the local cuisine. The airport is your last chance to enjoy the flavours of Colombia. Look out for coffee shops, especially the famous Juan Valdez, where excellent coffee is prepared for you. It pairs perfectly with traditional pastries such as pan de bono (cheese bread) or empanadas (filled pastries). This is a great and authentic option for a quick snack.

Most establishments offer standard options that may suit vegetarians, such as salads or vegetable sandwiches. Specialised vegan, halal, or gluten-free menus are rare, so it is best to verify the ingredients at the venue. The price range at the airport is generally higher than in the city. Expect to pay a moderate amount for a cup of coffee and a pastry, while a full meal in a restaurant will cost more.

Main cafes and restaurants operate from early morning until late at night, adjusting to flight schedules. Some coffee shops in the departure zone may operate 24 hours or close after the last flight departs. If you are short on time, the best choice would be one of the coffee shops or takeaway points. If you have a few hours before departure, it is worth exploring the menus of the restaurants in the public area of the airport.

To ensure your journey from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport goes smoothly, we recommend arriving with time to spare. For international flights, allow about 3 hours, and for domestic flights within Colombia — at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing. To avoid queues at the counters, use online check-in on your airline's website if available.

When preparing your hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp and flammable items are prohibited. If you are bringing famous Colombian coffee as a gift, it is better to pack it in your checked luggage immediately. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you unforgettable views of the Andes during takeoff or landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement.

If you have a layover in Cali, be especially attentive. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will likely need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, and re-check it for the next flight. Follow the "Connecting Flights / Conexiones" signs and do not hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance. Upon entering the country, be prepared for standard customs control procedures.

There are several ways to save time and money. Bring an empty water bottle to fill it up after the security checkpoint. Research transfer options to the city in advance — often booking a taxi via an app or taking a bus is cheaper than services at airport counters. In case of a flight delay, find your airline representative first. They will provide current information and explain your rights to compensation, such as food vouchers.