At the same time, tourism in Colombia experienced a significant boost, reaching a record 6.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, many of whom entered the country through El Dorado. Taking advantage of this connectivity, Avianca—whose main hub is Bogotá—has promoted a stopover strategy that allows travelers to stay up to 24 hours at no additional cost, thus encouraging transit and turning layovers into opportunities for exploration.
The synergy between the public and private sectors has also been a decisive factor. Authorities and tourism businesses are working together to strengthen Bogotá as a destination of interest in areas as diverse as gastronomy, culture, and business travel. This joint effort could attract between 700,000 and one million additional passengers per year, according to official estimates.
However, this new leadership position comes with significant structural challenges. El Dorado’s current infrastructure is saturated; the pressure is evident in the face of new terminals recently inaugurated in Mexico City and Lima. Contacto News emphasizes that although the airport leads in traffic, its limited capacity makes it urgent to expand its facilities before 2027.
El Dorado also stands out for its crucial role as a hub for cargo and air operations in Colombia and the region. The airport boasts modern passenger and cargo terminals, a strategic location in the center of the continent, and connectivity with every continent—factors that have earned it the nickname “Hub of the Americas.”
According to the Wikipedia encyclopedia, in 2024 El Dorado handled 45,816,050 passengers, consolidating its regional leadership and ranking as the 32nd busiest airport in the world. This figure aligns with ACI-LAC’s data and reinforces its relevance in global air traffic.
The airport’s recent trajectory has also been marked by operational technological advances. In May 2025, El Dorado became the first airport in Latin America to implement a Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) system, in partnership with SITA and OPAIN. This initiative optimizes coordination among airlines, air traffic control, and ground services, reducing delays and improving operational efficiency.
Throughout its history, El Dorado has become a cultural and strategic symbol for Bogotá and Colombia. In August 2025, on the occasion of its 65th anniversary, the airport’s iconic historic sign was restored—a symbolic gesture underscoring its role as the country’s gateway and a source of national pride.
The combination of strategic location, sustained investments, ongoing modernization, and long-term vision has positioned El Dorado as a central player in Latin American aviation. Even so, addressing limitations in infrastructure, congestion, and operational challenges will be key to maintaining this position, strengthening tourism development, and driving sustained regional connectivity.
This achievement represents more than just numbers: it reflects the consolidation of a comprehensive airport platform capable of transforming connections into development and economic growth. El Dorado has not only broken records but has also paved the way for a new era in regional aviation, with Bogotá at the heart of the routes that connect the continent.
