The Colombian aviation industry is preparing to restart following President Iván Duque Márquez announcement of plans to reopen 15 airports in September, including Bogota.
The move will come as relief to Avianca which is currently navigating Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the US and the news was welcomed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
"Air transport is an essential public service that people need for different reasons, such as work, health, family or leisure purposes. Aviation’s prospect to restart is good news which will allow for the resuming of mobility and integration of the country,” ," said Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional vice president for the Americas.
“With this decision, the sector and its extensive value chain, which includes tourism and commerce in Colombia, can begin to rebuild. While this is the first step towards a total reopening, we call on the government to continue the open channels of communication with the industry that will allow us to commence the process for also reactivate international flights,” he added.