Camilo Daza International Airport

Camilo Daza International Airport is not merely the air gateway to Cúcuta, but also a vital transport hub on the border with Venezuela, named after one of the aviation pioneers of Colombia. Opened in 1971, today this airport occupies a significant place in the country's transport system, constantly developing and modernising for passenger convenience. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, it serves as a starting point for travel both on domestic routes and beyond the country's borders, connecting the Norte de Santander department with the rest of the world.

Camilo Daza Airport, ranked 11th in passenger traffic in Colombia, offers travellers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Thanks to recent renovations, the airport's infrastructure has become more modern, allowing for flight operations even at night. For the convenience of passengers, there are cafes, shops, and The Lounge Cucuta VIP hall. Proximity to the Pan-American Highway ensures convenient access to the airport; the trip from the city centre takes about 15 minutes.

• Official website: aeropuertosdeoriente.co/cucuta/
• Information desk phone: +57 607 580 9170
• Airport address: Calle 10N # 15E - 121, Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia
• Email: info@aeropuertosdeoriente.co (general email of the operator Aeropuertos de Oriente S.A.S.)
• Social media: You can follow airport news on the operator's pages on Facebook (AeropuertosdeOrienteSAS), X (Twitter) (@Aeroriente), and Instagram (@aeroriente).
• Lost luggage information: For questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative office directly. Airport staff do not process such requests.
• Passenger support service: For assistance, you can use the contact phone number or email listed above, or fill out the feedback form on the official website.

Getting to Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC) from the city centre of Cúcuta is effortless, as it is located just 5 kilometres away. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods to travel to or from the terminal.

Public transport is the most budget-friendly option. City buses, known locally as "busetas", run on numerous routes, and some of them pass in the immediate vicinity of the airport. The fare is very low, usually within a few thousand Colombian pesos. Be sure to look for a sign on the windscreen saying "Aeropuerto" and be prepared that the journey may take longer due to stops. This method is best suited for travellers with light luggage.

Taxis and transfers are the fastest and most comfortable method. A taxi ride from the centre of Cúcuta to the airport takes just 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of the trip is approximately 15,000 - 20,000 Colombian pesos (about 4-5 USD). It is strongly recommended to use official yellow taxis or book a car through apps popular in Colombia, such as DiDi or Cabify. Official taxi ranks are easy to find—they are located right at the exit of the arrivals hall.

Car rental is the ideal choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the surrounding area. If you have rented a car for travelling around the region, getting to the airport will be easy by following road signs. Camilo Daza Airport has parking where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. This is also convenient if you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle.

Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC) is a compact and convenient airport serving both domestic and international flights. Its layout is intuitive, making navigation simple even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which consolidates all service areas. This structure eliminates the need for complex transfers—everything is located in one building. The ground floor houses check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where the security control zone and boarding gates are located.

The terminal layout is logical:

• The Departure Zone is located on the second floor. After passing security screening, passengers enter the general waiting hall with several boarding gates. Small cafes and shops are also located here.
• The Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers follow signs to the passport control area (for international flights) and then to the baggage claim hall.

Thanks to the airport's small size, completing all formalities usually does not take much time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights—2–3 hours. This allows enough time for calm check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening. Signs in the terminal are clear and duplicated in English, which facilitates orientation.

The history of Camilo Daza International Airport is closely linked to the drive for development and aviation safety in the region. The air gateway of the city of Cúcuta was officially opened on October 10, 1971. The decision to build a new, more modern air harbour was made after a tragic aircraft incident in 1967, which highlighted the shortcomings of the old airfield and emphasised the need to create infrastructure meeting high safety standards.

The airport received its name in honour of Camilo Daza, an aviation pioneer of Colombia and a national hero born near Cúcuta. This fact is a subject of special pride for the residents of the Norte de Santander department. Since its opening, the airport has become a key transport hub in the north-east of the country, especially considering its strategic location on the border with Venezuela.

Over the years of its existence, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation. One of the most significant projects was implemented between 2017 and 2019. During this large-scale reconstruction, the passenger terminal, control tower, administrative buildings, and runway were completely renovated. Modernisation allowed for increased capacity, improved passenger comfort, and the implementation of modern service technologies.

Among interesting facts from the airport's history is its vital role as an "air bridge" during periods when land transport with the neighbouring country was limited. This has repeatedly proven its strategic importance not only for tourism but also for maintaining economic and humanitarian ties. Today, Camilo Daza Airport continues to develop, serving both domestic and international flights, remaining an important aviation centre in Colombia.

Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC) offers passengers a full range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here you will find everything necessary, from places to rest to facilities for handling business matters.

Several cafes and restaurants are located within the terminal, where you can enjoy both local cuisine and international dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to taste famous Colombian coffee before departure. Shops offer an assortment of souvenirs, travel goods, and products in the Duty Free zone.

For passengers preferring privacy and enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available. They offer complimentary snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, and a quiet atmosphere. To stay connected, utilise the free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport, as well as numerous charging stations for electronic devices.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points, allowing you to easily resolve monetary matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health issues, a medical point operates around the clock at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is fully adapted for the comfortable stay of all categories of travellers. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, lifts, specially equipped restrooms, and assistance services are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for little ones in a calm environment.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity, in the city of Cúcuta, which is easily accessible by taxi. For business travellers who need to work, business zones are usually provided in the VIP lounges. Specialised conference rooms may not be available in the airport itself, but they can be found in nearby large hotels in the city.

At Camilo Daza International Airport (CUC), travellers can find several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Although the choice of establishments is not as vast as in capital city airports, here you can acquaint yourself with authentic flavours of Colombian cuisine and drink a cup of excellent local coffee before departure.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the public zone (landside), before security control. This allows well-wishers to dine together with passengers. Here you will find small restaurants offering set meals (plato del día) and traditional dishes such as soups, grilled meat with rice, and arepas. In the secure zone (airside), after screening, the selection is more limited and mainly represented by coffee shops and kiosks with light snacks.

Be sure to try local specialities. Coffee shops will offer you not only classic espresso or latte made from freshly roasted Colombian beans but also traditional pastries: cheese buns pan de bono, doughnuts buñuelos, or corn cakes arepas with various fillings. For a quick and filling snack, empanadas—fried pastries with meat or chicken—are perfect. This is a great way to experience the flavour of local gastronomy.

Travellers with specific dietary needs should note that the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find cheese arepas or rice and vegetable dishes. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or halal menus are rarely found here. In such cases, it is recommended to carry your own snacks. The price range at the airport is moderate, slightly higher than in the city, but quite affordable.

Main establishments operate according to the flight schedule, usually opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last evening aircraft. If you wish to have a full lunch, it is better to do so in one of the restaurants in the public zone. For a quick snack or a cup of coffee immediately before boarding, the cafes in the departure zone are ideal.

To ensure your journey through Camilo Daza International Airport in the city of Cúcuta goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth considering a few useful tips. Plan your arrival at the airport in advance: for domestic flights within Colombia, it is recommended to be on-site 2 hours before departure, and for international flights—3 hours. This will give you enough time to calmly go through all procedures without unnecessary haste.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters, especially if you are travelling only with hand luggage. When passing through security control, have your passport and boarding pass ready. Electronics, such as laptops and tablets, as well as liquids in containers up to 100 ml, will need to be removed from your bag for separate scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane, if such an option is available during online check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and convenience if you need to stand up. Do not place sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances in your hand luggage, aside from permitted liquids. It is always useful to have a portable phone charger and a light snack with you.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. On international flights, be prepared to pass through customs control. Fill out the customs declaration honestly and in advance. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at special fountains after passing through security screening.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. They are obliged to provide you with up-to-date information and, depending on the duration of the delay, provide meals, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and clearly ascertain your rights as a passenger.