Colombia Faces Travel Disruption as Avianca Grounds 7 Flights, Affecting Passengers Across El Dorado, El Eden, Los Garzones, and Other Airports, Here is the Latest Update

Published on
September 14, 2025

Colombia is currently facing significant travel disruption as Avianca Airlines has grounded 7 flights, affecting passengers across key airports such as El Dorado, El Eden, and Los Garzones. This decision has left many travelers stranded and caused delays at nine additional departure points throughout the country. The cancellations have disrupted travel plans for hundreds of passengers, especially those flying in and out of the major Colombian airports. While the exact reasons behind the cancellations have yet to be fully explained, the impact on daily travel has been undeniable. Passengers are left scrambling for alternative routes, while airport operations struggle to handle the surge in demand. These disruptions come at a time when smooth air travel is critical, further complicating travel for both local and international passengers. As Avianca works to resolve the situation, the travel landscape in Colombia remains in flux, with many uncertain about when normal operations will resume.

Affected Cities and Airports

The affected cities and their airports in Colombia. These cities and airports are El Dorado International in Bogotá, El Eden International in Armenia, Los Garzones in Montería, Ernesto Cortissoz International in Barranquilla, and Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International in Cali. Each of these airports serves as a key hub for air travel, connecting various destinations within Colombia and internationally.

Flight Cancellations

Affected Flights and Airports

The grounded flights include:

• Flight AVA8532: Scheduled to depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá to Los Garzones Airport (MTR) in Montería at 8:20 PM on Friday.
• Flight AVA8497: Scheduled to depart from Los Garzones Airport (MTR) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) at 10:19 PM on Friday.
• Flight AVA4888: Scheduled to depart from El Eden International Airport (AXM) in Armenia to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) on Saturday at 8:06 AM.
• Flight AVA9416: Scheduled to depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla on Saturday at 10:51 AM.
• Flight AVA8567: Scheduled to depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) in Cali on Saturday at 11:10 AM.
• Flight AVA9204: Scheduled to depart from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) on Saturday at 12:52 PM.
• Flight AVA8527: Scheduled to depart from Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) on Saturday at 1:35 PM.

These cancellations have disrupted travel plans for hundreds of passengers, especially those flying in and out of the major Colombian airports.

Passenger Reactions and Airport Conditions

The disruptions have impacted both domestic and international travelers. For example, passengers scheduled to fly on Flight AVA8532 from Bogotá to Montería found themselves stranded at El Dorado International Airport, scrambling for rebooking options. Similarly, passengers on Flight AVA9416, scheduled to fly from Bogotá to Barranquilla, faced uncertainty as they sought alternative flights.

At El Dorado International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Colombia, long lines were reported at check-in counters and customer service desks. Passengers, some of whom had booked connecting flights, were left with little option but to wait for updates or seek rebooking on other flights, often without any guarantee of being accommodated on alternate routes.

Airport staff have worked tirelessly to manage the surge in demand, but with no clear timeline for when normal operations will resume, many passengers are uncertain about their next steps. The surge in demand has also placed additional stress on the airport infrastructure, as passengers crowd the waiting areas, looking for answers.

What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide

Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.

Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.

Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.

Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.

Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.

Looking Ahead

As of now, the travel landscape in Colombia remains uncertain. Passengers are left to grapple with rebooking challenges, while airport authorities continue to manage the fallout from the cancellations. Avianca has yet to confirm when regular operations will resume, and passengers are advised to stay in close contact with the airline for updates on their flights.

In the meantime, travelers hoping to catch their flights to or from Colombia’s major airports like El Dorado, El Eden, and Los Garzones must prepare for possible delays and cancellations. The situation is a stark reminder of how quickly disruptions in the airline industry can affect not just individual passengers, but the broader travel landscape in a country. As Avianca works to resolve the crisis, many remain hopeful that normal service will soon be restored. However, the road to recovery may be longer than anticipated, leaving many passengers unsure of when they will finally be able to take off.

Source: FlightAware