Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport

Landing in San Andrés marks the beginning of an adventure: the runway of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport seems to rise directly from the turquoise waves of the "Sea of Seven Colors". This air hub is unique due to its location — it is situated so close to the city centre and the main beach that many travellers can literally walk to their hotel immediately after collecting their luggage. The airport serves as the main gateway to the archipelago, instantly immersing guests in a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere with notes of reggae and sea breeze.

Airport Features and Highlights:

The main "feature" of the airport is its walking distance accessibility. The terminal is located in the northern part of the island, just a 15-minute walk from the popular Spratt Bight beach and the main promenade, allowing you to save on transfers if you are travelling light.

The airport is compact yet sufficiently functional for an island hub. Despite its modest size, there are Duty Free zones here where you can purchase perfumes and famous Colombian coffee before departure. The windows of the waiting hall offer views of the runway and the sea, making the wait for your flight particularly scenic.

It is worth noting that due to the high popularity of the resort, the terminal can be congested, especially during peak tourist seasons. Nevertheless, it is a key transport node connecting the island not only with mainland Colombia (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali) but also receiving seasonal international flights.

Below you will find contact information for Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ), which serves the island of San Andrés.

• Official Website: Although the airport does not have a separate website, all current information is published on the page of the operator Aeropuertos de Oriente S.A.S.: aeropuertosdeoriente.co.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport information centre at: +57 (8) 512 4217 or +57 (8) 512 4372.
• Airport Address: Avenida 20 de Julio, San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia, Colombia.
• Email: For general inquiries and requests, you can use the operator's email: atencionalusuario@aeropuertosdeoriente.co.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on the Aeropuertos de Oriente accounts on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram under the handle @Aeroriente.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have left personal items in the terminal, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger support, please use the general airport contacts: the information desk phone and email address listed above.

Getting to Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport (ADZ) in the city of San Andrés, Colombia, is surprisingly simple thanks to its unique location. The airport is in the immediate vicinity of the main tourist district, El Centro, making the journey there quick and inexpensive. Some hotels are located so close that you can walk to the terminal.

Taxis and Moto-taxis are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from most hotels in the El Centro area will take just 5-10 minutes. The taxi fare is usually fixed and reasonable, but it is always best to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey. Moto-taxis are an even more budget-friendly option and are excellent for travellers with just a backpack.

Public Transport on the island consists of local buses. This is the most economical option; however, it may not be the most convenient for tourists with large luggage. Buses follow specific routes and do not always stop directly at hotels, so this method is more suitable for those travelling light and wishing to save money.

Vehicle Rental. Many tourists rent golf carts (known as "mulas") or scooters to get around the island. If you have rented such a vehicle for your entire holiday, you can simply drive it to the airport and return it at one of the nearby rental points. Renting a golf cart specifically for a trip to the airport is not practical.

Walking. Surprisingly, this is quite a realistic option for many tourists. If your hotel is in the northern part of the island and your luggage is not too heavy, the walk to the airport may take 10-20 minutes. It is a great way to enjoy the Caribbean air one last time, but be prepared for the heat and humidity.

Airport Parking. There is a car park at the airport, which is mainly used for short-term parking — dropping off and picking up passengers. Leaving vehicles here for a long period is not common, as the island is small, and most tourists use taxis or return rented vehicles before departure.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport (ADZ) is a small but functional airport serving the paradise island of San Andrés. Its layout is extremely simple and intuitive for travellers, which is a significant advantage for such a popular tourist destination.

The main feature of the airport is the presence of only one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings. The terminal layout is very logical: all key zones are located on one level and within walking distance of each other. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall with check-in counters. To the left and right of it are the departure and arrival zones.

Departure and arrival areas are clearly separated. After checking in, passengers proceed to security screening, after which they enter a small but cosy waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone is in another part of the building and has a separate exit to the general hall, where you can meet arriving passengers or find taxi counters and car rentals.

Passing through check-in and security procedures at San Andrés airport usually happens quite quickly. On average, it takes from 30 to 60 minutes. However, during high season or when several flights depart simultaneously, queues may form. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one to avoid unnecessary haste.

For navigation, simply follow the signs in Spanish and English. It is virtually impossible to get lost here. Inside the terminal, there are several cafes, souvenir shops, and a small duty-free shop. Despite its compact size, the airport provides all the basic services for a comfortable wait for your journey to the Caribbean or back home.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport is not just the air gateway to the Caribbean island of San Andrés, but also a key element of its history and development. Named after the President of Colombia who initiated its construction, the airport became a symbol of the transformation of an isolated island into a popular tourist hub.

The history of the airport began in the mid-20th century. It was officially opened in 1954 on the initiative of President Gustavo Rojas Pinilla. His goal was to integrate the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina into the economic and social life of the country. For an island that was previously connected to the mainland mainly by sea, the appearance of the airport was a true revolution, opening it up to tourism and trade.

Initially, the airport had modest infrastructure, but with the declaration of San Andrés as a free trade zone, its importance increased dramatically. In the 1970s and 1980s, amidst a tourism boom, the airport underwent several stages of expansion. The runway was lengthened to accommodate larger aircraft, and the passenger terminal was modernized to serve the growing flow of travellers. These changes cemented the airport's status as one of the most important in the Colombian Caribbean region.

In recent decades, the airport continues to develop. Further reconstructions have been carried out and are planned to modernize the terminal, expand the apron for aircraft parking, and improve navigation equipment. These projects are aimed at enhancing passenger safety and comfort. The airport has repeatedly proven its strategic importance, serving as a vital hub for delivering humanitarian aid and evacuations during natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is its unique location. The runway stretches almost across the entire northern tip of the island, beginning and ending at the sea. Thanks to this, landing and taking off in San Andrés offer passengers breathtaking views. Despite the island's modest size, Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport consistently ranks in the top ten busiest airports in Colombia by passenger traffic volume, which is its main achievement and evidence of the incredible popularity of this paradise corner.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport (ADZ) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat before flying, as well as drink famous coffee from Colombia. Additionally, there are souvenir shops with local crafts and Duty Free shops where you can purchase goods at favourable prices.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP lounge offering a cosy atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and a quieter environment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices.

Inside the airport building, there are ATMs and currency exchange points, allowing you to easily resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health issues, a medical point is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

For travellers with small children, nursing rooms with changing tables are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including an accessible environment with ramps and specially equipped restrooms. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, its convenient location allows you to quickly reach numerous hotels and apartments in the main tourist zone of San Andrés. A taxi ride takes just a few minutes. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport; however, basic conditions for work can be found in the VIP lounge.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport (ADZ) on the island of San Andrés is a compact airport focused mainly on tourist flows. Dining options here are quite simple but allow for a comfortable snack before departure or immediately upon arrival. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as in major international hubs, but the basic needs of travellers are catered for.

Most cafes and snack bars are located in the public area (landside), before passing security control. The selection here is generally slightly wider. In the departure lounge (airside), there are also several spots where you can drink coffee or buy light snacks. It is recommended to eat before check-in and baggage drop if you have enough time.

The menus of local establishments focus on Colombian and Caribbean cuisine. Be sure to try local hits: empanadas (fried pastries with various fillings), arepas (corn cakes with cheese or meat), and pandebono (airy cheese bread). Of course, you can also find more familiar sandwiches, hot dogs, and pastries here. Popular beverages include freshly brewed Colombian coffee and natural juices made from exotic fruits.

Specialized establishments for vegetarians, vegans, or people requiring gluten-free or certified Halal meals are not available at the airport. However, vegetarians can find vegetable empanadas, fruit salads, or simple sides like rice and potatoes. It is always best to verify the ingredients of dishes on-site with the staff.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city but remain within reason for a tourist zone. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last plane. For a quick snack, coffee with a pastry or juice with an empanada is ideal. If you are looking for a more substantial meal, look out for small cafes in the general area, which sometimes offer set lunches (plato del día).

Planning a departure from Gustavo Rojas Pinilla Airport on the island of San Andrés requires a little preparation. It is a small but often busy airport, especially during high season. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time to go through all procedures without haste, even if queues arise.

To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option offered by most airlines. However, remember that you will still need to drop off your luggage at a separate counter. The security screening procedure is standard, but be prepared to present the Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) that you purchased to enter the island — sometimes it may be checked upon departure as well. Keep all documents handy: passport, boarding pass, and tourist card.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from San Andrés, prefer a window seat. The views of the Caribbean Sea and the archipelago from above are simply unforgettable. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) and sharp objects. It is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to take corals, shells, and sand from the island. The customs service monitors this closely to preserve the unique ecosystem of the region.

If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the next airport. In case of a flight delay, bear in mind that the airport is small, and the choice of establishments is limited. Nevertheless, there are several cafes here where you can have a snack. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and some light snacks.