Barranquilla, Colombia · 20 km southwest of Barranquilla

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport serves Barranquilla and the surrounding region in Colombia. 3M annually. Located 20 km southwest of Barranquilla, it handles domestic and international flights with 1 terminal.

Local currency

Colombian Peso (COP / $)

Live FX rates

US dollar1 COP = 0.0003 USD

Euro1 COP = 0.0002 EUR

Chinese yuan1 COP = 0.0019 CNY

Colombian Peso is the local currency at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport. Rates are indicative and fetched at build time.

3M annually

Passenger volume

Terminal

20 km southwest of Barranquilla

From city centre

24/7

Airport operation

Airlines operating

Security — what to expect

Allow enough time for identity checks, baggage screening, and boarding-pass verification at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights

During busy periods, security queues and document checks can take longer than expected.

Security process flow

Arrival

Follow signs to departures and check your terminal before entering the airport.

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Document check

Passport and boarding pass verification before screening.

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Baggage screening

Carry-on bags and liquids are screened according to airline and airport rules.

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Proceed to gates

Once cleared, continue to the check-in area and boarding gates.

Border control & customs

On Arrival

Disembark & follow signs to "Passport Control"Terminal 3: takes ~5 min walk. Follow green "Arrivals" signs.
Passport control queuesColombiai/EU nationals: automated eGates. Others: staffed counters. Wait times: 10–45 min peak.
Baggage claimHall B (lower level). Screens show belt numbers. Usually 20–35 min after landing.
CustomsGreen channel (nothing to declare) / Red channel. Random checks. Duty-free allowances: 1L spirits, 2L wine, 250g tobacco, gifts up to ₪1,000 (~$270).
Exit to arrivals hallCurrency exchange, SIM cards, tourist info, car hire and taxi desks all in arrivals hall (Level 1).

Customs — what to know

Prohibited items

Fresh meat, fresh dairy, weapons replicas, certain plant products. Check Colombiai customs rules before packing souvenirs from abroad.

Alcohol

1L spirits + 2L wine duty-free

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco

Currency

Declare cash over $10,000 (or equiv.)

Gifts

Up to ₪1,000 (~$270) duty-free

Terminal layout

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport has a single terminal handling domestic and international flights.

Check your boarding pass, airline app, or airport signage for the latest terminal and gate assignment before travel.

Terminal navigation

Follow airport signage for arrivals and departures. Contact your airline if you need confirmation of the check-in zone.

Check-in deadlines

Arrive early for document checks, baggage drop, and security screening. Peak travel periods may require extra time.

Getting to & from the airport

Transport options connecting Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport to Barranquilla and surrounding areas.

Mode	Details	Duration	Price (approx)	Notes
Shuttle / bus	Bus to city	Varies	Varies	Check locally for current fares
Taxi / rideshare	Taxi COP 40000-60000	Varies	Varies	Check locally for current fares
Taxi / rideshare	Uber	Varies	Varies	Check locally for current fares
Car hire	Car rental	Varies	Varies	Rental desks may be available on site

Planning your journey

Allow extra time during rush hour and before major holidays. Pre-booking can be useful for early departures.

Emergency Numbers

24/7 emergency services at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

Emergency

123

Police

112

Ambulance

125

Fire

119

Mobile Connectivity

Local operators and SIM card options at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

Major operators:

SIM cards

Prepaid SIM cards and data bundles are typically available at airport kiosks and in city shops. Passport registration may be required depending on local rules.

Lounges

Airport lounge options at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

Premium passengers, frequent flyers, and eligible cardholders may have access to airline or third-party lounges depending on the airport.

Facilities & services

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport provides the passenger facilities you need before departure and on arrival.

Free Wi‑Fi

Free Wi-Fi

Duty-free

Duty-free and retail options may be available.

Food & drink

Cafes

Baggage

Baggage services and storage may be available.

Car hire

Car hire desks may be available in arrivals.

Accessibility

Accessibility assistance is usually available on request.

Tips by passenger type

Keep your passport and itinerary accessible.
Allow extra time for check-in and security.
Check visa, transit, and baggage rules before travel.

Confirm whether baggage is checked through.
Stay near your gate for updates.
Keep enough buffer for passport and security checks.

Pre-pack liquids and snacks to speed up screening.
Use family lanes if available.
Arrange stroller assistance in advance when needed.

Departure day — ideal timeline

Based on an international departure. Times are relative to scheduled departure time (T).

T − 3h

Arrive at airportRecommended for international flights. Earlier if it's a holiday, summer peak, or you have a complex travel history.

T − 2h45

Security questioning (Level 4 entrance)20–60 min depending on passenger profile. Answer calmly, have accommodation/host details ready.

T − 2h

Check-inReceive security clearance sticker. Self-service kiosks available for El Al, United, and most major carriers.

T − 1h30

Passport control + airside X-rayColombiai border control (departures). EasyPass users use biometric gates. Then X-ray screening.

T − 1h

Airside — duty-free, lounges, diningLarge duty-free zone. Lounges on Level 3. Plenty of restaurants and cafés.

T − 40min

Head to gateGates announced on boards. Gate security (final X-ray + personal check) at the gate itself — allow 15 min.

T − 20min

Gate security & boardingFinal security check at gate is standard for all BAQ departures. Board promptly after.

Airlines & routes

BAQ carriers

Avianca

LATAM Airlines

Copa Airlines

International destinations

Regional: Frequent links to major hubs and nearby capitals where scheduled service exists.
International: Check airline schedules for the latest routes and seasonal services.
Domestic: Reliable services to the main business and tourism centres in the country.

Nearby destinations from BAQ

Barranquilla centre

Airport to downtown transfer and business district

Barranquilla historic centre

Cultural landmarks and colonial architecture

Colombia nature reserves

National parks and scenic landscapes

Regional cuisine

Local food markets and traditional restaurants

Coastal getaways

Beaches and waterfront destinations nearby

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. For busy airports, allow extra time.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Wi-Fi is often available in the terminal. Check the Facilities section for airport-specific details.

How do I reach the city?

Taxi, shuttle, bus, and car hire are the most common options. See the Transport section for the latest guidance.

Does Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport have enough connections for Barranquilla?

Use the Airlines & routes section to review current carriers and then check your airline for timetable changes.

Useful contacts

Airport phone

+57 601 425 1000

Airport info: Contact your airline or check the airport website for the latest flight information.
Lost & Found: Contact the airport operator directly for lost property enquiries.
Police (emergency): 112
Ambulance: 125
Fire: 119

Emergency: 123
General emergency: 123
Colombia customs: Check local customs authority website for import/export rules.
Taxi rank: Usually located outside the arrivals hall — follow terminal signage.
Local tips: Carnival city. Hot and humid. Book transfers during festival season.