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Puerto Asis Airport

About the Airport

Puerto Asis Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Puerto Asis Airport, also known as Tres de Mayo Airport (Aeropuerto Tres de Mayo), is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the mysterious world of the Colombian Amazon. Stepping off the plane, you immediately feel the humid, scent-filled tropical air, promising the start of a great adventure in the Putumayo department. Following a recent major renovation, this airport has transformed from a modest airfield into a modern and comfortable terminal, ready to welcome travellers seeking to witness the region's wild nature and authentic culture.

IATA Code PUU
ICAO Code SKAS
City Puerto Asis
Distance to Centre 3 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers About 100,000

Despite its small size, Tres de Mayo Airport plays a key role in the life of the region, ensuring rapid connections with the country's major cities, such as Bogota and Cali. Among the main features of the air harbour are:

  • Modern Terminal: Passengers are welcomed by a new building with air conditioning and a bioclimatic design that blends harmoniously with the environment and ensures a comfortable wait for flights.
  • Proximity to the City: The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the centre of Puerto Asis, allowing you to save time and money on transfers.
  • Scenic Landing Approach: Flying here is an experience in itself, as the view from the window offers breathtaking vistas of endless jungles and winding Amazonian rivers.
  • Key Airlines: Flights here are operated by major Colombian airlines, such as SATENA and Clic (formerly EasyFly), ensuring stable connections.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Tres de Mayo Airport in Puerto Asis. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some contact details may be general or unavailable.

  • Official Website: Puerto Asis Airport does not have its own dedicated website. General information about its status and operations can be found on the portal of the state organisation Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia (Aerocivil), which manages the country's airports.
  • Help Desk Phone: The main contact number for the airport is: +57 8 4227189. It is recommended to call during working hours.
  • Airport Address: Km 3 Vía a Santana, Puerto Asis, Department of Putumayo, Colombia.
  • Email: A specialised email address for general passenger inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
  • Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own social media pages. For official news regarding civil aviation in Colombia, you can follow Aerocivil's pages.
  • Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled directly by the airline carrier. Please contact your airline's representative office.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: Support can be obtained at the information desk within the terminal building or via the general airport telephone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Puerto Asis Airport (PUU) from the city centre of Puerto Asis is quite simple, as it is located very close to the city. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several methods to ensure your journey begins or ends without unnecessary hassle.

The most convenient and popular method is by taxi or moto-taxi. The trip from the city centre will take only 10–15 minutes. Taxis offer more comfort, especially if you have luggage. Moto-taxis are a cheaper and authentic option for Colombia, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance to avoid misunderstandings, although rates are usually quite affordable.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there are local buses or "colectivos" (shared taxis) that run through the city and its surroundings. This option is significantly cheaper but may be less predictable, as they do not have a strict schedule or dedicated stops at the terminal. This is a good choice if you are travelling light and want to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, but not the most reliable if you are in a rush for a flight.

If you plan to actively explore the Putumayo department, car rental might be an excellent solution. You can rent a car in the city and drive to the airport yourself. Parking is available at the airport, although it may be quite basic with a limited number of spaces. This option provides maximum freedom of movement around the region.

When planning your journey, it is also worth noting that there are other airports in the region. The nearest is the airport in Villagarzon, located approximately 54 km away. Depending on your route, you might consider flight options via Lago Agrio Airport in neighbouring Ecuador or the larger Cano Airport in Pasto, from where you can reach Puerto Asis by ground transport.

Terminals and Map

Puerto Asis Airport (PUU) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making navigation very easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport complex consists of one compact terminal that performs all functions: handling arriving and departing passengers, flight check-in, and baggage processing. Due to the existence of only one building, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All zones are within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitively understandable. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall. Here, the airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to a small security screening area, followed by a modest waiting lounge with a departure gate. The arrivals area is equally simple: after disembarking the plane, passengers enter a small room for baggage claim, which is located near the main exit of the airport.

Completing all formalities typically does not take much time. Thanks to the low passenger flow, queues for check-in and security are usually minimal. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the few signs available; in such a compact space, it is practically impossible to get lost.

Airport History

The history of Puerto Asis Airport (PUU), also known as Tres de Mayo Airport (Aeropuerto Tres de Mayo), is closely linked to the development of the Putumayo department and its integration into the transport system of Colombia. Although the exact founding date of the first airfield on this site is not documented in open sources, its emergence was dictated by the acute need for reliable and rapid communication with this remote region of the country, which plays an important role in the economy.

For decades, the airport served as a modest but vital air harbour. The main stages of its development until recently involved maintaining its operability to ensure basic passenger and cargo transport. Its strategic importance has always been high, as it was a key link connecting the local population and businesses with major cities such as Bogota and Cali.

The most significant turn in the airport's history occurred in the 2010s, when a large-scale modernisation programme was launched under the guidance of the Civil Aviation Authority of Colombia. These works became a true transformation for the airport. A completely new passenger terminal with an area of about 2,900 square metres, a modern control tower, administrative buildings, and a new fire station were built. Additionally, the runway and the aircraft parking apron were reconstructed.

This comprehensive reconstruction, completed in the early 2020s, effectively became the airport's second birth. Today, it is a modern and safe aviation hub that has not only improved comfort for passengers but also expanded opportunities for the economic and tourism development of the entire Putumayo region. Although there are no loud records in the history of Puerto Asis airport, its main merit is its reliable service to people and ensuring the connection of a remote corner of the Amazon jungle with the rest of Colombia.

Services and Facilities

Puerto Asis Airport (PUU) is a small regional airport serving the city of Puerto Asis and its surroundings in Colombia. Given its modest size, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure. Do not expect the infrastructure of a large international hub here, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight is available.

Dining and Shops: Several small kiosks or cafes usually operate within the terminal, where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages such as coffee and water. The selection here is limited, so for a full meal, it is better to eat in the city. Shops at the airport typically offer essential items and local souvenirs, but there is no duty-free zone.

Lounges and Amenities: The airport has a general waiting hall for all passengers. VIP lounges or business lounges are not provided here. Access to free Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable, so it is recommended to use mobile data. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is also small, and finding a free one can be difficult.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no bank branches or currency exchange points in the airport building. It is strongly recommended to handle all financial transactions, including currency exchange, in the city in advance. A basic first aid point is available on the premises in case of unforeseen situations.

Additional Services: Basic facilities are provided for passengers with reduced mobility; however, you should notify your airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair. There are no specialised mother-and-child rooms or play areas for children at the airport. Hotels and business centres are absent directly on the airport territory; the nearest accommodation options can be found in the city of Puerto Asis.

Where to Eat

When planning a flight from Puerto Asis Airport (PUU), it is important to consider that this is a small regional terminal with a limited range of services. Dining options here are modest and designed primarily for a quick snack before departure.

In the airport's single terminal, you will likely find a small cafe or a few kiosks located in the general area before security control. Finding establishments after security screening (in the airside zone) is highly unlikely. Main establishments operate on a schedule tied to flight times — opening shortly before the first departure and closing after the last one leaves.

The assortment usually includes:

  • Quick Snacks: Sandwiches, pastries (for example, traditional Colombian buns called pandebono), empanadas, packaged crisps, and sweets.
  • Beverages: Coffee, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks.
  • Full Meals: Finding a place for a full lunch or dinner with hot dishes at the airport is unlikely. It is recommended to eat in advance in the city of Puerto Asis, where the choice of cafes and restaurants is significantly wider.

Specialised dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are generally not presented here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is most reliable to bring food with you. Prices at the airport may be slightly higher than in the city but remain generally affordable.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Puerto Asis goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. This small regional airport mainly serves domestic flights, making it quite convenient for navigation, but good preparation is never redundant.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Colombia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in for the flight and pass security control without rushing. Procedures here usually go faster than in large international hubs, but it is better to have a time buffer. Use online check-in whenever possible to save time.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Travelling to this region offers stunning views of the Amazon jungle. To enjoy them, choose a window seat. Standard hand luggage rules apply here as well: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Always check luggage allowance rules with your airline, as they may vary.

Passengers with Connections and Customs: Puerto Asis Airport is rarely used for international transits. If you have a connection to another domestic flight, ensure there is enough time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines. Customs control is passed at the first airport of arrival in the country, so if you are flying to Puerto Asis from Bogota or another Colombian city, you will not have to go through this procedure again.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Ensure you have essentials in your hand luggage: a phone charger, water, a light snack, and personal medication. Check the terms of your travel insurance — it may cover expenses related to a long delay.

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