Colombia Travel Disrupted as Avianca Grounds Eight Flights, Abandoning Passengers across El Dorado International, Palonegro, Antonio Nariño, Ernesto Cortissoz and more, Update You Need to Know Now

Published on
August 27, 2025

On 26th August 2025, Colombia faced significant travel disruptions as Avianca grounded eight flights, affecting passengers across major airports like El Dorado International Airport, Palonegro International Airport, Antonio Nariño Airport, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport and more. The cancellations, reported through FlightAware data, caused chaos for both business and leisure travellers. Affected flights were primarily between key Colombian cities, leading to widespread delays and confusion.

Total of 44 flights were delayed along with 8 cancellations, this article provides a detailed look at the cancellations, the impact on local tourism and what passengers can do to navigate these disruptions. Stay informed with the essential updates and solutions for Avianca’s grounded flights.

Avianca, one of the leading airlines in Colombia, grounded 8 flights that were scheduled for departure from various Colombian cities. The cancelled flights included routes from Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Pasto, Barranquilla and Cali. The affected flights were mostly operated by the Airbus A320 and A319 aircraft.

The following flights were cancelled:

1. AVA9296 – A320, El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá) to Palonegro Int’l (Bucaramanga)
2. AVA8563 – A320, Palonegro Int’l (Bucaramanga) to El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá)
3. AVA9394 – A320, Antonio Nariño Int’l (Pasto) to El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá)
4. AVA9313 – A319, José María Córdova Int’l (Medellín) to El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá)
5. AVA8424 – A320, El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá) to Ernesto Cortissoz Int’l (Barranquilla)
6. AVA8463 – A320, El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá) to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Int’l (Cali)
7. AVA9537 – A320, Ernesto Cortissoz Int’l (Barranquilla) to El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá)
8. AVA9812 – A320, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Int’l (Cali) to El Dorado Int’l (Bogotá)

These cancellations primarily affected domestic travel within Colombia and the disruption has led to inconvenience for many passengers across the country.

The cancellations targeted crucial domestic connections between major Colombian cities. Among the most significant affected routes were:

• Bogotá to Bucaramanga and Bucaramanga to Bogotá
• Pasto to Bogotá
• Medellín to Bogotá
• Bogotá to Barranquilla and Barranquilla to Bogotá
• Bogotá to Cali and Cali to Bogotá

These routes are vital for both business and tourism traffic, making their disruption particularly impactful for both locals and international visitors. For travellers trying to reach key Colombian destinations, this disruption adds significant delays and complexity to their journeys.

Several airports and cities in Colombia have been affected by these disruptions. Here’s a breakdown of the airports and cities that have experienced significant impacts due to the cancellations and delays:

Each of these cities and their respective airports serves as a key transportation hub, both for domestic and international travel. The disruptions have created confusion for many travellers who had planned their trips.

The disruptions have also had a noticeable effect on local tourism in the affected cities. As many travellers were unable to reach their destinations on time, planned visits to popular Colombian tourist spots were delayed or canceled. Cities such as Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga attract significant numbers of international and domestic tourists, particularly for cultural festivals, business events and leisure activities.

The disruptions likely led to financial losses for local tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants and tour operators, which rely heavily on the steady flow of passengers. Additionally, local attractions, such as museums, parks and heritage sites, saw fewer visitors than usual, affecting their revenue and operations.

Passengers who were affected by the cancellations and delays can take several steps to minimize the disruption:

1. Contact Avianca for Rebooking or Refunds: Avianca offers rebooking options for passengers on affected flights. If the passenger is unable to rebook, refunds are also available. It’s important to reach out to the airline’s customer service immediately.
2. Check Flight Status: Affected travellers are encouraged to stay updated on flight statuses through Avianca’s official website or customer service channels to ensure they have the latest information.
3. Explore Alternative Transportation: For passengers unable to rebook with Avianca, alternative transportation, such as buses or other airlines, might offer viable options to continue their journey.
4. Stay Informed on Compensation Options: Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed significantly may be eligible for compensation under Colombian and international aviation regulations. It’s advisable to inquire about this with the airline.

The 26th August 2025 disruptions caused by Avianca’s grounded flights have left a significant mark on Colombia’s travel landscape, as detailed through FlightAware data. Passengers travelling through El Dorado International, Palonegro, Antonio Nariño, Ernesto Cortissoz and other key airports faced major inconvenience. These cancellations not only impacted travellers but also affected the local tourism. For those affected, prompt rebooking, checking flight statuses and exploring alternative travel options are crucial steps to mitigate further disruption. Keeping updated on flight developments and available compensations will help ease the burden of these unforeseen challenges.