There is a lot of genuinely useful Colombia flights information on this page - you might find it to be "information overload", but if you take it all in you'll find the cheapest flights both to and within Colombia. Domestic airline route maps follow. Bare in mind that inbound international flights to Colombia in December are very expensive - book 11 months in advance if possible.
Flights from USA to Colombia
There's various airlines that operate flights from the USA to Colombia. You could consider Avianca, American Airlines, Delta Airlines or Continental Airlines. Air Canada also has flights to Bogota. American Airlines have the widest selction of flights available - they're a good choice for open jaw flight tickets to Colombia, and they're often cheap. American Airlines hub is generally Miami, and there are direct flights to Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Invariably the best value fares are found online, with sites such as Travelocity.
Flights from Europe to Colombia
There's a range of flight options from Europe in addition. Direct flights from Europe to Colombia are offered by Air France (via Paris), Iberia (via Madrid) and Avianca (via Madrid). Avianca also have flights from Madrid to Medellin, and there are rumours that 2008 will see a London to Bogota direct service with Avianca. Generally speaking, Iberia has the cheapest flight tickets from Europe. There are also a range of European airlines offering flights to Colombia via Caracas. With both Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) and Alitalia (via Milan or Rome), you can catch connecting flights in Caracas on to Bogota. An alternative (often the cheapest) would be to book a flight to Caracas, and buy a separate flight onwards to Colombia (eg. the evening Aeropostal flight from Caracas to Medellin, booked cheapest as a Hahn Airpass). Lastminute usually has the cheapest fares for flights from Europe to Colombia.
Airpasses & Flights from Other places in Latin America to Colombia
Those travelling from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia to Latin America are entitled to an airpass known as the "All America Airpass" (also known as the Hahn Airpass) for flights within and between countries in North and South America. Flight prices are almost always much less compared with buying tickets directly from the airline, especially for major international routes. To book this airpass, you'll need to contact a specialist tour operator - Journey Latin America (UK) is one such tour operator.
Bogota is very well connected to most other capital cities in Latin America. In addition, Medellin and Cali have direct flights to both Panama City and to Equador. The most extensive network of flights to other destinations in Latin America is offered by Colombia's national airline, Avianca.
Avianca International Route Map
Colombia Domestic Flights
Colombia has a range of domestic airlines, and unlike the rest of South America, they're often excellent value. Internal flights within Colombia are offered by Avianca, Aerorepublica, EasyFly, Satena and Aires - route maps and tips for each follow (click the images to enlarge). Avianca and Aerorepublica also offer international flights.
Avianca
Avianca is the principal airline and has the widest network of flights within Colombia. Avianca offers an Avianca Airpass for those who have an international flight ticket to Colombia - there is a minimum of three flights that must be taken, and prices are approximately 30% less than standard tickets. Pricing is complex - best to get in touch directly with Avianca, or a travel specialist (Journey Latin America of the UK can be recommended).
Avianca route map.
EasyFly Flights
EasyFly is Colombia's first genuine low cost carrier, and routes are set to be launched in 2008. Flights with EasyFly, which is apparently modelled on EasyJet, are dirt cheap. Needless to say that Colombians are absolutely delighted.
EasyFly Route Map
Aerorepublica
Aerorepublic, affiliated with Continental Airlines and their OnePass frequent flyer programme, also has a range of domestic flights within Colombia. At times, Aerorepublica offers packages whereby hotels and flights can be booked together. They are also an excellent airline with whom you can use your onepass miles - I mean REALLY good value. Check Aerorepublic's website to see if any special offers are available.
Aerorepublic Route Map
Satena
Satena is another of Colombia's domestic airlines. You're most likely to use Satena for flights from San Andres to Providencia island, though note that this route is also offered by charter flights in conjuntion with Decameron Hotels.
Satena Route Map
Aires Flights
Aires also offers internal flights within Colombia. They're routings are more limited, but they are often the best value. Aires Colombia's website is almost impossible to find through a search engine - it is aires.com.co
Aires Route Map
Colombia's other Domestic Airlines
The five previously mentioned airlines are Colombia's principal domestic carriers.There's also other smaller regional airlines that might occasionally be of use to those visiting Colombia. Ada Airlines (or Aerolineas de Antioquia) offers flights from Medellin to a range of destinations - see www.ada-aero.com for a route map. AeroSucre and Lineas Aereas Suramericanas (LAS) are both cargo airlines, though you can sometimes pick up a cheap flight from Bogota to Leticia (or even to other Latin American countries) with either if they have space. In 2006 Aerosucre has it's first plane crash. Another Colombian domestic airline is Searca, which is a charter airline.
Flights from other Latin American Countries to Colombia
Colombia is well connected with a range of other countries in Central and South America. Generally speaking, these flights are not cheapest when you book them directly with the airline. If you have booked an international flight to South America, you should be entitled to what is known as a Hahn Airpass, or "All America Airpass", the cost of which is sometimes as much as 50% less than standard flights prices. To book a Hahn Airpass, you'll need to book with a travel agent or a South America flights specialist.
As a rule of thumb, Avianca flies to most major travel hubs in Latin America. Other airlines are detailed below.
Colombia is well connected with numerous Central American countries with both Taca and Copa Airlines. For flights from Colombia to Ecuador, try Lan Ecuador or Aerolineas Galapagos (AeroGal), who have a useful Medellin to Quito / Guayaquil / Galapagos Islands service. Flights from Colombia to Lima (Peru) can be booked with Lan Peru. Flights to Bolivia are generally via Lima. Flights to Caracas are offered by Aeropostal, while Chile is served by Lan Chile. Aerolineas Argentinas offers a daily service from Buenos Aires to Bogota. From Bogota to Brazil, the route is served by Varig and Tam Airlines, though you will probably find it cheaper to fly to Panama and catch an onward flight to Manaus or Sao Paulo using the "All America Airpass" mentioned previously.
A common question people often ask is "which airlines fly to Colombia?" We hope that question has just be extensively answered.
