Overview of Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is a domestic airport located in the city of Medellín, Colombia. The airport is named after Enrique Olaya Herrera, a former Colombian president. The airport is the second busiest airport in Medellín and plays a vital role in connecting the city with other domestic destinations in Colombia.
The airport is located just 10 minutes away from the city center and is easily accessible via public transport or taxi. The airport has a single terminal building that handles all domestic flights. The terminal building is modern and well-maintained, providing passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is served by several airlines, including Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Satena. These airlines operate regular flights to and from major cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.
The airport offers a range of services and amenities for passengers, including a VIP lounge, restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. Passengers can also access Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building, making it easy to stay connected while traveling.
Overall, Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is an efficient and convenient airport that provides easy access to the city of Medellín and other destinations in Colombia. With its modern facilities and range of services, the airport ensures that passengers have a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Exploring Terminals at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín
Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is located in the heart of Medellín and is one of two airports serving the city. The airport has one terminal building which houses all the facilities needed for travelers. The terminal building has three levels: arrivals, departures, and VIP.
The arrivals level consists of baggage claim, customs, immigration, and a few shops. One can find rental car counters and taxi services on this level too. On the other hand, the departures level consists of more shops, cafes, restaurants, and check-in counters.
Passengers who have checked in can proceed to the security checkpoint, which leads to the boarding gates. The VIP level, located between the arrivals and departures level, offers travelers comfortable lounge areas, VIP services, and private suites.
Overall, the terminal building of Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín is modern and well-equipped. Passengers will find everything they need for their journey, from basic amenities like public restrooms and ATMs to more specialized services like luggage storage and currency exchange.
However, one downside of the airport is the lack of direct flights to international destinations. Most of the flights from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport are domestic and regional, with destinations like Bogotá, Cartagena, and Panama City. Nevertheless, the airport is still a great option for travelers visiting Medellín and the surrounding regions.
It’s important to note that Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is not to be confused with José María Córdova International Airport, Medellín’s main airport located in the nearby town of Rionegro. While Córdova handles more international flights, Olaya Herrera is convenient for domestic travelers or those looking to explore the city center.
Airlines and Destinations
Aerolínea de Antioquia (ADA) operates flights to Apartadó and Quibdó within Colombia.
SATENA flies to Bahía Solano, Nuquí, and Quibdó domestically. Additionally, SATENA offers international flights to Panama City.
EasyFly can take you to various destinations throughout Colombia including Bogotá and Cali.
Searca Colombia offers domestic flights to different Colombian cities such as Bahía Solano, Apartadó, and Quibdó.
Avianca, the country’s largest airline, provides domestic flights to Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena from Medellín. They also offer international flights to many destinations, including Miami and New York City in the United States.
Lastly, Latam Airlines provides daily flights to Lima, Peru, with connecting flights available to destinations throughout South America.
Please note that routes and schedules may vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check with each individual airline for up-to-date information.
Transportation Options at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport is located just 10 minutes from the city center and is a popular arrival point for travelers visiting Medellín. To make your journey to and from the airport as smooth as possible, there are several transportation options available.
One of the most convenient options is the shuttle service. Many hotels in the city offer shuttle services to and from the airport, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation provider to see if this is available. The shuttle service offers door-to-door transport and is a great option for those traveling in groups.
Another option is to rent a car. There are several rental car companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace, but be aware that traffic in Medellín can be heavy during peak hours.
If you prefer not to drive, there is also a shuttle bus service available. This is a shared service that operates between the airport and several points in the city, including El Poblado, Laureles, and the city center. The shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes and is a cost-effective way to get to your destination.
For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, Medellín has an extensive train network known as the Metro. The closest metro station to the airport is Estadio, which is just a short taxi ride away. From Estadio, you can connect to other metro lines and explore the city. The Metro is a safe and efficient way to travel around Medellín.
Lastly, taxis are readily available at the airport. You can either take an official taxi from the airport taxi rank or use a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Cabify. Taxis are a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or if you’re traveling late at night.
In summary, there are several transportation options available at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, including shuttle services, rental cars, shuttle buses, trains, and taxis. Depending on your travel needs and preferences, you can choose the option that best suits you and enjoy a stress-free journey to and from the airport.
Parking Options at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
For those who plan to park at the airport, there are two main options: the public parking lot and the VIP parking lot.
The public parking lot is located just outside the terminal building and is open 24 hours a day. The rates for this lot are variable, depending on the length of stay. For the first hour, the cost is 4,500 COP (approx. $1.20 USD), and then 2,000 COP (approx. $0.55 USD) for each additional hour. The daily maximum is 27,000 COP (approx. $7.40 USD).
The VIP parking lot, located closer to the terminal, offers a more convenient and secure parking option. The rates for this lot are higher than the public lot; for the first hour, the cost is 7,200 COP (approx. $2 USD), and then 3,600 COP (approx. $0.98 USD) for each additional hour. The daily maximum is 46,800 COP (approx. $12.80 USD).
Both parking lots offer 24-hour security surveillance, but the VIP lot also includes a car wash service and a dedicated shuttle service to the terminal building.
Check-In Procedures at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
The check-in process at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera airport can be completed through various methods.
Passengers can choose to check-in online, which is the most convenient way to avoid long queues at the airport. This option is available for passengers who have an e-ticket and can be done 24 hours before the flight departure time.
Another way to check-in is through self-service kiosks that are available in the airport terminal. These kiosks allow passengers to print their boarding pass, select their seat, and check their bags if necessary.
For passengers who prefer traditional check-in methods, check-in counters are also available. The counters are located in the airport terminal and are open two hours before the flight departure time.
During the check-in process, passengers must present their passport, e-ticket, or confirmation number, and any required travel documents. Additionally, passengers may be asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate, depending on their destination and airline requirements.
Once the check-in process is complete, passengers can proceed to security screening and boarding procedures. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight departure time to ensure a smooth check-in process and avoid any delays.
Security Procedures and Tips for a Smooth Check at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
At the airport, security is taken very seriously. Before entering the check-in area, passengers must pass through a security checkpoint where they will be scanned with metal detectors and have their carry-on luggage checked thoroughly.
To ensure a smooth check-in experience, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight, wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove, pack liquids and gels in their checked luggage, and follow all instructions given by airport security personnel.
It is also important to have all necessary documents such as a valid passport or ID readily available and to remove any large metal objects such as belts or jewelry before going through the metal detector. By following these tips and cooperating with airport security personnel, passengers can help ensure a safe and efficient airport experience.
Customs and Immigration at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
Upon arriving at the airport, passengers will first proceed to the immigration area where they will be required to present their passport and any necessary travel documents. After passing through immigration, passengers will collect their luggage from the baggage claim area.
Next, passengers will proceed to the customs area where they may be required to declare any items they are bringing into the country. After clearing customs, passengers will exit the terminal and can make their way to ground transportation.
Departing passengers will follow a similar process, checking in at their respective airline counters before proceeding through immigration and security. Passengers should allow ample time for this process, especially during peak travel periods.
Amenities
– Restaurants and cafes
– Duty-free shopping
– ATMs
– Currency exchange
– Free Wi-Fi
– Information desk
– Lost & found
– Medical assistance
– VIP lounge
Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport offers a variety of dining options, from full-service restaurants to quick-service cafes. The duty-free shops carry a range of goods, including cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs. ATMs and currency exchange services are available for travelers needing to obtain local currency. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and an information desk to assist with any questions or concerns. In case of lost items, there is a lost & found. For medical assistance, the airport has a first aid station. Lastly, for those looking for additional amenities, a VIP lounge is also available.
Accessibility Services
Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport provides facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators, and toilets throughout the airport.
Passengers can also request assistance from dedicated airport staff for boarding, de-boarding, and navigating their way through the airport.
Furthermore, the airport offers special parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
Passengers who require special assistance are encouraged to contact the airport ahead of time to make arrangements.
Connecting Flights at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
Connecting flights can be stressful, but with proper planning and knowledge of the airport layout, it’s possible to make your connecting flight without any issues.
If you’re arriving at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport and have a connecting flight, you’ll need to first clear immigration and customs. After that, follow signs for connecting flights and proceed through security again.
Be sure to check the terminal and gate for your connecting flight to ensure you don’t miss it. It’s also recommended to have a backup plan in case of any delays or disruptions.
Lastly, consider booking a longer layover if you’re unfamiliar with the airport or have concerns about making your connecting flight. This will give you some extra time to navigate the airport and reduce stress.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
After arriving at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located in the arrivals hall.
Here, they can collect their checked baggage by identifying it from the baggage carousel. If a passenger’s luggage is missing, delayed, or damaged, they should report this to the airline’s baggage service office, located in the baggage claim area.
The passenger will need to provide their flight information and a description of their missing or damaged luggage. The airline staff will then initiate a search for the luggage and provide the passenger with a reference number to track the progress of the search.
If the luggage cannot be found, the passenger may be eligible for compensation under the airline’s policies. Additionally, if a passenger finds lost property in the airport, they should turn it in to the airport’s lost and found department located near the baggage claim area.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, there is a medical team on standby at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. They are trained to handle any medical situation that may arise. Additionally, the airport has medical facilities equipped with first-aid supplies and medications. If you require further medical attention, you will be transferred to the nearest hospital.
Hotel Accommodations near Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
There are several options for hotel accommodations within close proximity to the Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.
1) Hotel Dix, located just 0.5 km from the airport.
2) Hotel Laureles Park, located 1.5 km from the airport.
3) Hotel San Fernando Plaza, located 3.5 km from the airport.
4) Gran Hotel Medellin, located 4 km from the airport.
5) Hotel Poblado Plaza, located 6 km from the airport.
All of these hotels offer a range of amenities, such as complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and shuttle services to and from the airport. With convenient locations and various options, travelers are sure to find comfortable and accommodating lodging in and around Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.
Useful Tips:
Here are some insider tips that will help you navigate and enjoy your time at Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport.
Firstly, make sure to arrive early as the airport can get quite busy during peak hours.
Secondly, consider using the airport lounge if you have a layover or a long wait for your flight.
Thirdly, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Lastly, try some of the local cuisine at the airport’s restaurants, which offer a great selection of traditional Colombian dishes.
Contact Information
Airport Information: (+57) 4 424 6058
Lost & Found: (+57) 4 513 6000 Ext. 1916
Parking Services: (+57) 4 424 1083
Medical Services: (+57) 300 202 3480
Customer Service: (+57) 4 424 6697
Airport Police: (+57) 4 424 2662 or 123
Tourist Assistance: (+57) 4 511 5007 Ext. 224
Alternate Airports Near Medellín – Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport
There are several other airports near Medellín that travelers may consider as an alternative to the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. The José María Córdova International Airport is the most popular option, located approximately 40 kilometers from the city center. It can be reached by taxi, shared shuttle, or bus.
The El Eden International Airport is another possibility, situated in Armenia, around 250 kilometers from Medellín. From there, travelers can either rent a car or take a bus to reach the city.
For those interested in exploring other nearby destinations, the Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, and the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, are also viable options. These airports are approximately 185 kilometers and 655 kilometers away from Medellín, respectively.
Transportation options to these airports vary, but most offer taxis, buses, or private shuttles for travelers to reach their destination. It’s important to factor in transportation costs and travel time when considering alternate airport options.