Barranquilla’s Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is changing fast. Authorities are modernizing its international terminals ahead of the Copa Sudamericana final on November 21, while also reviving one of the city’s most nostalgic traditions: the airport terrace. The 2026 Copa Sudamericana final will be played at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez.
Faster Arrivals for International Travelers
The renovation will expand immigration capacity from six posts to 18. The new international area will include 10 Migración Colombia counters and eight Biomig self-service gates.
Biomig uses iris recognition to automate border checks for eligible Colombian citizens and foreign residents. Officials expect the technology to shorten lines, speed up passenger flow, and help the airport handle several international flights at once.
Travelers will also find more comfortable spaces. The project adds larger waiting areas, improved air conditioning, new shops, renovated bathrooms, and a waiting room for up to 680 passengers.
A Timely Boost Before the Copa Sudamericana
The works are moving quickly because Barranquilla expects a surge of visitors for the Copa Sudamericana final on November 21. City officials want the airport ready to welcome Colombian and international football fans with a smoother arrival experience.
For tourists flying into Barranquilla, the changes could mean less time in immigration queues and a better first impression of the Caribbean city. The airport, known by its code BAQ, is located in Soledad, roughly 12 kilometers from downtown Barranquilla.
The Return of the Airport Terrace
Beyond the terminals, the city plans to create a new viewing terrace or mirador at Cortissoz. The original terrace, removed during renovations in 2015, was once a beloved place where families watched planes take off and land.
For generations of Barranquilleros, it was more than an observation deck. It was where relatives said their final goodbyes, children dreamed of becoming pilots, and visitors enjoyed restaurants while watching aircraft on the runway.
The new terrace aims to recover that emotional connection while fitting into the airport’s modern transformation. Officials describe it as a way to preserve local memory alongside improvements in accessibility, signage, elevators, ramps, landscaping, and cleanliness.
What Visitors Can Expect
The upgrades signal a broader effort to make Cortissoz more welcoming for both passengers and the local community. Recent work has already included new international waiting rooms, better climate control, security equipment, and accessible facilities.
Once complete, visitors may enjoy a more efficient airport without losing the sense of place that made the old Cortissoz special. For anyone arriving in Barranquilla, the message is clear: the city is preparing to receive the world with better infrastructure—and a little more of its own history.
Former observation terrace at Barranquilla's Ernesto Cortissoz airport. Credit: Notas de Actualidad
