As you step off the plane at Rafael Nuñez International Airport, breathe in the humid, tropical air, a tangible reminder that you’ve arrived in Cartagena. This international airport, named after Rafael Nuñez, a Cartagena native and former Colombian president, isn’t just a gateway to this charming city. It’s a window into Colombia’s rich aviation history.
The first flight in Cartagena took place in 1920, just eight days after the airport was opened to the public. This pioneering flight carried mail from Cartagena to Barranquilla, marking the very beginnings of commercial aviation in Colombia. Back then, there was no grand terminal, no modern buildings, and no intricate system of runways or taxiways. Instead, it was a rudimentary airfield, built right on the Caribbean coast.
Fast forward to 1946, and the airport was officially inaugurated with a grand ceremony. Plans were laid out to make the airport a major distribution center for the TACA group of companies, hoping to connect Cartagena to North and South America. Sadly, these plans were short-lived when TACA de Colombia was forced to suspend operations.
In 1979, with tourism booming, Cartagena needed a more suitable airport to accommodate the growing numbers of visitors. In response, the runway was extended to 2,600 feet, and a brand-new passenger terminal was built in 1980 and 1982. This upgrade marked a pivotal point in the airport’s development, making it a more viable and modern facility.
Today, Rafael Nuñez International Airport is the fourth largest airport in Colombia and serves as a crucial hub for connecting the country’s Caribbean coast to the rest of the world. Keep this history in mind as you explore the airport, appreciating the evolution of the facility from its humble beginnings to its current state of modern aviation. You’ve arrived at the stepping stone that led Cartagena, the City of Walls, to become a world-renowned destination.