Key Highlights
- Medellín is served by two primary airports: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH).
- Your essential information guide starts here: MDE, located in Rionegro, is the main international airport handling global flights.
- Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is conveniently located in the city and manages domestic and regional travel.
- You can access detailed flight information and find amenities like currency exchange, shops, and VIP lounges.
- Transportation is straightforward with official taxis available to take you from the airport to the city.
- Knowing the correct airport code, MDE for international or EOH for domestic, is key for booking.
Introduction
Welcome to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring! Your adventure in this vibrant part of Colombia begins the moment you land. To make your arrival as smooth as possible, it helps to understand the city’s airport layout. Medellín has two key airports, and knowing which one serves your needs is the first step to a fantastic trip. Whether you’re flying in from across the globe to the main international airport or hopping over from a nearby Colombian city, this guide has you covered.
Overview of Medellín’s Airports
When planning your trip to the beautiful department of Antioquia, you’ll find that the Medellín metropolitan area has two main airports. The primary airports are José María Córdova International Airport and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. Both are managed by the operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, ensuring modern standards and services for travelers.
Each airport serves a distinct purpose. José María Córdova handles all international flights and major domestic routes, making it the main gateway for most visitors. In contrast, Enrique Olaya Herrera focuses on regional and domestic travel. Understanding their unique IATA and ICAO codes will help you navigate your bookings. Now, let’s look at each Medellín airport in more detail.
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
José María Córdova International Airport, with the airport code MDE (ICAO: SKRG), is Medellín’s primary international airport. Located in the nearby city of Rionegro, this new airport opened in 1985 and is the second-largest in Colombia. It serves as the main hub for international travelers and handles major domestic routes to cities like Bogotá and Santa Marta. Its modern, single-terminal design is split between domestic and international gates for easy navigation.
Are you wondering about the amenities available? The terminal at MDE is well-equipped to make your journey comfortable. You’ll find a wide range of services, including restaurants, shops, a duty-free store, banks, and currency exchange counters. For travelers seeking extra comfort, Avianca offers a VIP room, and several other VIP lounges are also available. Car rental services are conveniently located right at the airport.
Getting from the airport to downtown Medellín is simple. The airport is about a 30-minute drive away, and you can easily find authorized taxis and other transport options outside the terminal. Major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Avianca operate numerous flights, and you can find real-time flight information on the airport’s official website or with your airline.
Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH)
Located right within Medellín, Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (IATA: EOH) offers a completely different experience. Known locally as Aeropuerto Olaya Herrera, this was the city’s main airport until 1985. Today, it holds the title of a Colombian national monument due to its historical and architectural significance, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
So, is Olaya Herrera Airport used for international travel? The answer is no. This airport exclusively serves regional and domestic flights, connecting Medellín with other destinations within Colombia. It acts as a hub for domestic carriers like SATENA and Clic (formerly EasyFly), making it a convenient option for exploring more of the country. Due to its location and runway limitations, it primarily operates smaller aircraft.
Despite its regional focus, Olaya Herrera offers excellent facilities. The terminal includes a shopping area, a food court, airline check-in counters, and comfortable waiting rooms. Multiple hangars on the property support charter services, flight schools, and airline maintenance. For up-to-date flight information, it is best to check directly with the airline you are flying with.
Choosing the Right Airport for Your Trip
Deciding which Medellín airport to fly into can seem confusing at first, but it’s actually quite simple. Your choice will almost always depend on where your journey begins. Are you flying from another country or from within Colombia? Answering this question is the first step in selecting the correct airport for your travel plans.
For anyone traveling from outside Colombia, the Medellín International Airport (MDE) is your only option. However, if you are planning a trip involving domestic flights, you might have a choice between the two. Let’s explore the factors that can help you decide which airport is best for your business or tourism needs.
Business vs. Tourism Travel Considerations
When visiting Medellín for business or tourism, your choice of airport is largely determined by your point of origin. For nearly all international travelers, the decision is straightforward—you will arrive at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), as it is the only airport in the area equipped to handle international flights.
However, if your travel within Colombia includes domestic flights, you may have more flexibility. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right airport:
- International Connections: If you are arriving from an international location, MDE (airport code) is your port of entry.
- Proximity to the City: Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) is located inside Medellín, making it a quicker trip to many hotels and business districts if you’re flying domestically.
- Flight Availability: MDE offers a greater number of domestic flights and connections with larger aircraft compared to EOH.
- Destination: For flights to smaller, regional towns in Colombia, EOH often provides more direct options.
Ultimately, your itinerary dictates the best airport. For international trips, it’s always MDE. For domestic travel, weigh the convenience of EOH’s location against the wider range of flight options available at MDE.
International and Domestic Flight Options
The flight options available in Medellín are clearly divided between its two airports. José María Córdova (MDE) serves as the primary international airport, connecting the city with the world while also handling major domestic flights. In contrast, Enrique Olaya Herrera (EOH) is dedicated solely to domestic flights, particularly to regional destinations across Colombia.
To help you visualize the difference, here is a simple breakdown of each Medellín airport and its primary function. This flight information can help you plan your travel more effectively.
| Airport | Primary Function | Typical Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| José María Córdova (MDE) | International & Major Domestic | Miami, New York, Madrid, Bogotá, Cali |
| Enrique Olaya Herrera (EOH) | Regional & Domestic | Bogotá, Cali, Apartadó, Quibdó, Manizales |
As the table shows, if your travel plans involve flying from another country, you will land at the international airport, MDE. Airlines like American, United, and Avianca offer direct flights. If you are already in Colombia and planning to fly to Medellín, check your airline and destination to see if you will arrive at MDE or the more central EOH for your domestic flights.
Airlines Operating in Medellín
A diverse mix of airlines connects Medellín to destinations near and far, making travel to the city accessible from almost anywhere. You’ll find everything from major global carriers to regional Colombian operators serving the city’s two airports. This variety ensures you have plenty of options when booking your flights.
Major international airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines exclusively use José María Córdova Airport (MDE). Avianca, Colombia’s flagship carrier, has a significant presence at both MDE for international and major domestic routes, and at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) for regional flights. Let’s break down which airlines you can expect to find at each airport.
Major International Airlines at MDE
As Medellín’s sole international airport, José María Córdova (MDE) is where you’ll find all the major global carriers. This aeropuerto connects the region to key hubs in North America, South America, and Europe, making it the entry point for most international visitors. All international flights arrive and depart from the airport’s modern passenger terminal.
You can fly directly to Medellín on a number of well-known airlines. Carriers providing service to MDE include American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Air Europa, and Aeroméxico. These airlines offer nonstop flights from cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Madrid, and Mexico City, providing excellent connectivity.
Avianca also plays a crucial role in international travel at MDE, offering direct flights to destinations such as New York (JFK), Miami, and Madrid. For the most current flight information, it is always a good idea to consult the airline or the airport’s official website before you travel.
Popular Domestic Carriers
When it comes to exploring Colombia by air, Medellín offers a robust network of domestic flights. These routes connect the Antioquia region with the rest of the country and are served by a variety of popular Colombian carriers. Whether you’re flying to a major city or a remote town, there’s likely a flight from one of Medellín’s two airports.
The busiest domestic route in the country is between Medellín and Bogotá, which is heavily serviced by airlines like Avianca and LATAM Colombia, primarily from MDE. Other major destinations like Cali, Cartagena, and Barranquilla are also well-connected from MDE. At Enrique Olaya Herrera (EOH), you will find carriers like Clic (formerly EasyFly) and the state-owned SATENA, which specialize in regional domestic flights to smaller cities.
This dual-airport system gives you flexibility. For example, while Avianca operates flights to Bogotá from MDE, SATENA offers service to the capital from EOH. This choice allows travelers to select an airport based on convenience, price, or schedule, making domestic travel from Medellín incredibly accessible.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating Medellín’s airports can greatly enhance your travel experience in Colombia’s vibrant second city. By understanding the key highlights of José María Córdova International and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airports, you can make informed decisions tailored to your travel needs, whether for business or leisure. Remember to consider your airline options and flight routes to ensure a smooth journey. With the right information at your fingertips, you can fully enjoy all that Medellín has to offer. If you need further assistance or personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for visiting Medellín?
For any international travel, you must use José María Córdova International Airport (MDE). If you are taking domestic flights within Colombia, you might arrive at either MDE or the more central Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH). Always check your flight information and airport code when booking.
How do I get from MDE to downtown Medellín?
José María Córdova Airport (MDE) is in Rionegro, a short drive from Medellín. The easiest way to get to the city is by taking one of the authorized taxis available outside the main terminal. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes, thanks to a modern highway tunnel.
Can I book tours or tickets directly at the airport?
Yes, both the international airport and the domestic airport offer amenities for travelers. You will find travel agencies and tour operator desks within the terminal buildings. These services can help you book local tours, arrange transportation, and purchase tickets for attractions upon your arrival in Medellín.