Travel Turmoil in Colombia as Avianca Faces 10 New Flight Cancellations and 81 Delays Affecting El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Palonegro International Airport, and Other Major Hubs

Published on
November 23, 2025

Many passengers who arrived at or planned to depart from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and other Colombian airports found their travel plans thrown into chaos this Saturday when Avianca cancelled a series of scheduled flights. The cancellations affect flights across domestic and international routes — from Bogotá to Cúcuta, Bucaramanga, Cali and more — leaving many stranded and scrambling for alternatives.

In total, the airline pulled out dozens of flights just hours before departure, citing internal and operational issues. Although the carrier has not published a detailed explanation on its public website or a government regulatory site, industry‑watchers point to possible fuel supply constraints and air‑traffic flow disruptions. According to reports, the national aviation regulator, the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil), is assessing the situation and working with airlines to restore normal operations.

Here is the full list of cancelled flights, as announced by the airline:

What passengers are experiencing and what to do

Travellers described arriving at busy terminals only to be told their flight was cancelled with little notice. Many had to reschedule, wait for hotel arrangements, or seek alternate connections. For those hoping to fly this weekend, flexibility has become essential.

The Aerocivil has asked airlines to activate contingency plans and to provide ticket changes or refunds as required by Colombia’s consumer transport regulations. The regulator also emphasised that passengers should check the status of their flight frequently and contact the airline’s customer service for guidance.

Affected flyers are advised to:

• Immediately check their airline’s app or website for the latest flight status.
• Contact their travel agent or Avianca’s service desk for rebooking or refund options.
• Arrive at the airport later than usual only if they have a confirmed new itinerary — lines may form quickly.
• Stay aware of further notices from the Aerocivil or airline regarding ongoing disruptions.

Even though a formal announcement from government websites about this particular wave of cancellations has yet to be made public, previous precedents show that the Aerocivil monitors such events closely and may issue directives to airlines if operational irregularities persist.

Root causes, industry impact and outlook

Insiders suggest the latest cancellations may stem from a mix of factors: fuel‑supply challenges at certain airports in Colombia (notably affecting airline operations over recent months), crew scheduling and aircraft availability issues. One specialist travel news site noted that fuel supply glitches had forced Avianca to cancel earlier batches of flights between Bogotá and other cities.

From an industry standpoint, cancelled flights of this scale in Colombia resonate beyond mere inconvenience. They threaten tourism flows, business continuity and confidence in the domestic aviation system. Airports like Bogotá’s El Dorado handle high volumes of traffic daily; when schedules are disrupted, ripple effects are felt across connecting flights and travel itineraries.

On the upside, both Avianca and the Aerocivil appear to be responding. The regulator is reportedly liaising with the airline to ensure refund procedures are followed and scheduling stabilises. The airline has upheld refund and rebooking policies for impacted passengers.

Human side of the travel disruption

Behind the numbers are stories of families trying to reunite, business travellers racing against deadlines and holiday plans being upended. For one mother flying from Cúcuta to Bogotá to see her children, the cancellation meant an unexpected extra night in the airport lounge; for a sales executive the abrupt cancellation meant rescheduling an important meeting in Cali.

Such disruptions weigh heavier than just the inconvenience; they affect people’s lives and plans. The voice of upset customers and long waiting lines remind us that travel is more than logistics — it’s people moving between places that matter to them.

Conclusion: patience, flexibility and staying informed

While the airline and the aviation regulator work to bring operations back on track, travellers in Colombia must brace for potential further adjustments and stay proactive. For anyone flying in the coming days with Avianca, double‑check your booking, monitor changes, and keep backup plans ready.

Despite the frustration, there is ground for hope: Colombia’s regulatory system is engaged, and airlines are increasingly aware of the need to minimise the human cost of disruptions. With cooperation, prompt communication and adaptability from all sides, the current turbulence in Colombian skies can settle. In the meantime, keep your phone charged, boarding pass handy, and patience at the ready.