Los Garzones Airport

Los Garzones Airport is more than just a transit point; it is a welcoming gateway to the heart of the Colombian department of Córdoba. Located in a picturesque region rightfully known as the country's livestock capital, this airport greets travellers with a renovated terminal and a warm Caribbean atmosphere. For many tourists, this is where their introduction to the unique culture of Montería and the beauty of the majestic Sinú River begins.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

In recent years, Los Garzones has undergone extensive modernisation, transforming into a comfortable and contemporary hub. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant wait, including an effective air conditioning system, which is particularly valuable in the region's warm climate.

Passengers can utilise the services of the VIP Lounge, offering a tranquil environment for work or relaxation. The departure area features cafes where you can sample local snacks and famous Colombian coffee, as well as shops selling souvenirs and handmade crafts from local artisans.

The airport is distinguished by its convenient transport accessibility: a trip to the centre of Montería by taxi or bus takes only about 15–20 minutes. Despite its international status, the majority of flights connect the city with key points in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Barranquilla, ensuring excellent connections for further travel.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Los Garzones Airport. Below are the main contact details for passengers.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website of the operator, Airplan: www.airplan.aero
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +57 (4) 786 00 22.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Los Garzones, Vía a Cereté Km. 13, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
• Email: General enquiries can be sent to: atencionalcliente@airplan.aero.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official pages of the airport operator, Airplan S.A.S.
• Lost Luggage: If you experience issues with luggage (loss, damage), you must contact the airline representative directly for the flight you arrived on. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations and passenger assistance, please use the telephone number and email address listed above.

Los Garzones Airport (MTR) is located just 10-12 kilometres northeast of the centre of Montería, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers arriving in this region of Colombia can choose from several methods to reach the air hub, depending on their budget and preferences. The main options include taxis, public transport, and car rental. You should allow approximately 20-30 minutes for the trip from the city centre to the airport, although this time may increase during peak hours.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and comfortable way to get to the airport. Official taxis can be found throughout the city, ordered by phone, or via mobile apps. The cost of a trip from the city centre is usually between 25,000 and 35,000 Colombian Pesos (COP). It is recommended to always confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey, as it may be fixed or metered. This is a particularly convenient option for tourists with heavy luggage. For maximum peace of mind, you can book a private transfer in advance, which will collect you from your hotel and deliver you directly to the terminal.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is the option of using public transport. Although there are no direct bus routes entering the airport grounds, some city buses (known as busetas) run along the main highway near the airport. You will need to walk a short distance from the stop to the terminal. This option is the cheapest — the fare is only about 2,000–3,000 COP — but it can be inconvenient if you have luggage and requires more time. Please note that there is no metro or rail service in the city.

If you plan to actively explore the surroundings, car rental is an excellent solution. Both local and international rental companies operate at Los Garzones Airport and in the city itself. Having your own transport gives you complete freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on schedules. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is available on the premises, where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Los Garzones Airport (MTR), serving the city of Montería and its surroundings, is a compact and convenient aviation hub. Its main advantage is a simple and clear structure, which makes navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, travellers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings. All infrastructure — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting hall, and the baggage claim area — is located in a single building within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small but comfortable departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival area is organized just as logically: after disembarking, passengers immediately enter the baggage claim hall, and from there, proceed to the terminal exit where taxis and car rental desks await.

Due to the airport's small size, completing all formalities typically takes significantly less time than in major hubs. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport the standard 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all procedures without rushing. To navigate, simply follow the signs, which, although primarily in Spanish, are intuitively understandable thanks to the terminal's straightforward layout.

Los Garzones Airport, serving the city of Montería and the entire department of Córdoba, has a rich history closely tied to the region's development. Its official opening took place in 1974. It was built to replace the old San Jerónimo airfield, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and could not accommodate modern aircraft. The new airport was an important step in improving transport accessibility for this agricultural and livestock centre of Colombia.

A key stage in the airport's development was 2008, when management was transferred to the private concessionaire Airplan S.A. This event marked the beginning of a period of large-scale modernisation and infrastructure expansion. Until then, the airport had functioned with minimal changes, but the new era of management brought significant investment and plans to transform Los Garzones into a modern aviation hub.

The most significant reconstruction in the airport's history began in the mid-2010s. During these works, the terminal was almost completely rebuilt: its area more than doubled, new telescopic jet bridges were installed, the runway was upgraded, and the aircraft parking apron was expanded. Thanks to this modernisation, completed in 2018, the airport's capacity increased significantly, and the level of passenger comfort reached international standards.

One of the airport's main achievements is its role in the economic growth of the Córdoba department. It not only ensures reliable connections with the country's capital, Bogotá, and other major cities but also promotes tourism by attracting travellers to the natural beauty of the Sinú River and the Caribbean coast. Since the reconstruction, the airport has consistently shown growth in passenger numbers, confirming its strategic importance.

An interesting fact is related to the airport's name. "Los Garzones" translates from Spanish as "The Herons". This name was not chosen by chance — it reflects the rich fauna of the Sinú River valley, where these graceful birds are frequent guests. Thus, the airport's name pays tribute to the unique nature of the region it serves.

Los Garzones Airport (MTR), serving the city of Montería and its surroundings, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-organised and offers amenities for both tourists and business travellers.

Dining and Shopping. In the airport, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can enjoy a cup of famous Colombian coffee, have a light meal before your flight, or buy refreshments. There are also small shops offering souvenirs, press, and travel essentials. The range is not as extensive as in major hubs, but all the essentials are available here.

Lounges and VIP Service. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available at Los Garzones Airport. Here you can relax in a calm atmosphere, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, or work in silence. The general waiting areas are equipped with sufficient seating.

Connectivity and Charging. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. Charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets can be found in the waiting areas.

Financial Services. For passenger convenience, ATMs are installed in the airport building where cash can be withdrawn. Currency exchange points are also available; however, it is recommended to check their opening hours in advance, especially if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning.

Additional Services. There is a first aid station at the airport. For travellers with children, there are nursing and family rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance for moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking — it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this. There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms within the airport building itself; however, such services can be found in hotels located nearby in the city of Montería. There are no hotels directly inside the terminal, but the nearest accommodation options are just a few minutes' drive away.

Los Garzones Airport in Montería offers passengers a basic but adequate selection of establishments to grab a bite before departure or after arrival. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the main public area of the terminal (landside), before security control. In the departure area (airside), the choice is usually very limited, so it is better to eat beforehand.

For a quick snack, local cafeterias are an excellent choice. Here you can order traditional Colombian coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and various snacks. Be sure to try the local favourites — empanadas (fried pastries filled with meat or chicken) or arepas (corn cakes) with cheese. This is a quick, filling, and authentic way to experience the cuisine of Colombia.

For a full lunch or dinner, there are several small restaurants at the airport offering more substantial meals. Generally, the menu includes classic Colombian set meals featuring a portion of chicken or meat, rice, salad, and fried plantains (plátanos). This is a great option for those who have time before their flight and wish to enjoy a hearty, home-style meal.

Regarding specialised diets, finding specific vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus in a small regional airport like Los Garzones can be challenging. However, you can always ask for a dish to be prepared without meat, such as rice with vegetables and beans, or order fresh fruit juices, which are excellent here. It is recommended to verify the ingredients directly with the staff. For Muslim travellers, please note that meat is generally not Halal certified unless specified, so vegetarian or seafood options may be preferable.

The price range in airport establishments is moderate, though, as expected, slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open with the first morning departures and close after the last evening plane departs.

Travelling through Los Garzones Airport (MTR) in Montería can be a simple and pleasant start or end to your adventure in Colombia. To ensure everything goes smoothly, follow our tips to help you save time, money, and stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Los Garzones Airport is not a giant hub, but it is better not to take risks. Arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights, if applicable to your schedule. This will give you enough time to check in and clear security without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. The rules for carrying liquids are standard: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. You will likely be asked to remove electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, from your bag. Remember that power banks and other batteries can be carried only in hand luggage. Sharp objects are strictly prohibited.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you have the option to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. If you have a connecting flight, locate the information about your next flight and boarding gate number immediately upon arrival. Bear in mind that even in small airports, moving between gates may take time.

Customs Control and Saving Money. For international flights, keep your passport and all necessary documents ready for customs and border control. To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it after the security checkpoint, and also pack light snacks — food and beverages at the airport are always more expensive.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact the airline representative to obtain information and clarify your rights (for example, regarding drinks or meals during long delays). Keep an eye on the information boards for updates. The airport has waiting areas where you can spend time comfortably, and the presence of cafes allows you to have a snack while waiting for departure.