Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport

Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true architectural gem nestled in the very heart of the Aburrá Valley. Unlike a remote international hub, this airport allows travelers to land literally in the center of city life, saving precious time on transfers. The terminal building, imbued with the romantic spirit of early aviation and declared a national monument, welcomes guests with a unique atmosphere and legends of the past.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Ideal Location: The airport is located directly within the city limits, just a 10-15 minute drive from the popular districts of El Poblado and Laureles, making it incredibly convenient for short business trips and tourism.
• Historical Value: The terminal building is a National Monument of Colombia and a masterpiece of 1930s architecture. It is here that the life of the legendary King of Tango, Carlos Gardel, tragically ended; a statue has been erected on the grounds and a plaza named in his honor.
• Speed and Comfort: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, check-in, boarding, and baggage claim procedures are much faster here than at large international airports.
• Scenic Approach: Flying into this airport offers unforgettable views of Medellin, as planes descend right over city neighborhoods surrounded by green mountains.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information for Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) so you can quickly find answers to your questions.

• Official Website: On the official website, you will find flight schedules, services, and other important information.
• Information Desk Phone: +57 (604) 365 61 00
• Address: Carrera 65A # 13-157, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact servicioalcliente@airplan.aero.
• Social Media: To stay updated with the latest news, follow the official pages of the airport operator, Airplan:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X (formerly Twitter)
• Lost and Found Information:
  • If your checked baggage is lost or damaged, immediately contact your airline representative in the arrivals area.
  • If you have left personal items in the airport terminal, fill out the form on the lost and found page or contact the information center.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and general inquiries, please use the main airport phone number or email address listed above.

Getting to Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is quite simple, as it is located right within the urban area of Medellin, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. This is its key difference from the main international airport, which is located outside the capital of the Antioquia department. Here are the main ways to reach this regional aviation hub.

Public Transport: Metro and Buses

The most economical way is to use the famous Medellin Metro. The stations closest to the airport are Poblado and Industriales on Line A. From there, you can walk to the terminal in 15-20 minutes or take a short taxi ride. City bus routes, including the Metroplús system, also pass near the airport. The cost of a single trip on the metro or bus is approximately 3,000-3,500 Colombian Pesos, making this the most budget-friendly option. Travel time from the city center (e.g., from San Antonio station) by metro is about 15-25 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. Thanks to its central location, a trip from popular tourist areas such as El Poblado or Laureles will take only 10-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of such a trip is between 10,000 and 20,000 Colombian Pesos. It is recommended to use official yellow taxis or trusted mobile apps to book a car to ensure a fair price.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are traveling by rental car, driving to the airport is easy—it is located near major city highways. The airport has a parking lot where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. However, if your goal is simply to get to the airport for a flight, a taxi or public transport will be more practical and often cheaper options, saving you from worrying about parking and city traffic.

Important Note: Do not confuse Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), which primarily serves domestic and regional flights within Colombia, with the main Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE), which is located in the city of Rionegro, approximately 45-60 minutes' drive from Medellin. Always check which airport your flight departs from.

Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), located within the city of Medellin, is distinguished by its compactness and historic atmosphere. Navigation is intuitive, making it very convenient for passengers, especially those flying on domestic routes.

Structure and Navigation

The airport consists of one main passenger terminal that handles all flights—both departures and arrivals. The terminal building is recognized as a National Monument of Colombia due to its Art Deco architecture, which is an attraction in itself. Thanks to its small size and logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible. All key areas are within walking distance of each other.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The terminal layout is classic. Airline check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts are located on the ground floor. After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor, where they pass through security screening and enter the airside zone with boarding gates. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, and signs in Spanish and English help you orient yourself easily.

Procedure Times

One of the main advantages of EOH Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than at large international airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to check your luggage without rushing, pass through controls, and enjoy a cup of famous Colombian coffee before your flight.

Navigation Recommendations

Since all services are concentrated in one building, moving around the airport is effortless. Information desks, cafes, small shops, and car rental offices are easy to find by following the signs. No transfer between terminals is required, as there is only one. This is the ideal airport for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs.

Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is not just a transport hub, but a true historical gem of the city of Medellin. Its history began in 1932, when it was inaugurated and became the region's first air gateway. Initially, the airport bore the name of President Enrique Olaya Herrera, after whom it is named, and quickly turned into a key aviation center for Colombia.

One of the most significant and tragic moments in the airport's history occurred on June 24, 1935. On this day, the legendary singer and King of Tango, Carlos Gardel, died in a plane crash on its runway. This event forever inscribed the airport's name in world history and culture, making it a place of pilgrimage for fans of the artist.

For more than half a century, Olaya Herrera was the main international airport of Medellin, receiving flights from all over the world. However, with the growth of the city and air traffic, its capacity became insufficient. In 1985, the new, larger Jose Maria Cordova International Airport was opened in the neighboring city of Rionegro. From that moment, the role of EOH changed: it was reoriented to serve domestic regional flights, as well as private and commercial aviation.

In 1995, the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport terminal building was declared a National Monument of Colombia. This decision was made to preserve its unique Art Deco architecture, which has been beautifully maintained to this day. Today, the airport is an amazing combination of an active transport facility and a living museum where you can feel the spirit of the golden age of aviation. It continues to play an important role in the country's transport system, connecting Medellin with small towns and hard-to-reach regions.

Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although it is primarily a domestic airport, you will find a good selection of services here to make your journey more pleasant.

Various cafes and restaurants are located within the terminal, where you can grab a quick snack or have a full lunch while enjoying local cuisine. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, travel essentials, and other small items.

For the convenience of passengers, comfortable waiting lounges are provided at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as numerous charging stations for electronic devices. For travelers who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges offering a more private atmosphere and additional services may be available.

The airport features ATMs and currency exchange points, making it easy to handle financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical point for first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with children, offering a quiet environment to care for your little one. An accessible environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms, and staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, numerous hotels for every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity and surrounding districts of Medellin. Business centers or conference rooms may be available for business travelers, but it is best to verify this information in advance.

At Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal to comfortably pass the time before departure. Although the selection here is not as large as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public zone (landside), before security control. Here you can find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a leisurely lunch or drink coffee with family and friends. After passing security, in the departure zone (airside), the selection is generally more modest and limited to small coffee shops where you can take drinks and light snacks on board.

Be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy the authentic flavors of Colombia. Look out for local coffee shops serving magnificent Colombian coffee, fresh juices, and traditional snacks such as empanadas (filled pastries) or arepas (corn cakes). This is a great way to experience local cuisine right at the airport.

The price range at EOH Airport corresponds to standard airport rates—slightly higher than in the city. A quick snack consisting of coffee and pastries will be inexpensive, while a full meal in a restaurant will cost more. Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes may be challenging. However, most cafes always have vegetarian options, such as salads, sandwiches with vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Main cafes and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule—typically from early morning until late evening. If you have an early morning or late-night flight, it is better to check the opening hours of a specific establishment in advance. For a quick snack, cafes in the departure zone are ideal, while for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the main hall before checking in for your flight.

Traveling through Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, located right within the city limits of Medellin, usually goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle. Since it primarily serves domestic flights within Colombia, there are no large crowds here like in international airports. Nevertheless, to avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight departure. This will be enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security control.

Check-in and security control at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport are organized quite efficiently. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. Security checkpoints work quickly, but be prepared to show your boarding pass and documents. A small tip: when choosing a seat on the plane, ask for a window seat. The airport is located in a valley, and during takeoff or landing, stunning panoramic views of the city will open up to you.

Regarding carry-on luggage, standard international rules apply here. All liquids (shampoos, gels, perfumes) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. Always keep valuables, documents, and electronics with you in your carry-on. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you—after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains.

If you have a transfer at this airport, check in advance if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Information screens will help you find the right boarding gate. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, customs control is only undergone by passengers of rare regional international flights. For most travelers flying within the country, this procedure is not required.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be required to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. There are several cafes and shops in the airport building where you can comfortably spend time waiting for departure.