When it comes to air travel, Latin America is on the move. Last year, a whopping 746 million passengers flew through the region, an 86 million increase since 2019. But what’s really interesting is the shift in airport rankings. For the first time, Bogotá’s El Dorado airport has taken the top spot as the busiest airport in Latin America, dethroning São Paulo and Mexico City.
So, what’s behind this change?
## Geography Matters
Bogotá’s strategic location midway between the Americas has made it a hub for Avianca and LATAM, with connections to the US and Europe. This has contributed to the airport’s surge in passenger numbers, with 45.4 million travelers passing through its gates.
## Tourism on the Rise
Tourism in Colombia has also seen a remarkable recovery, with a 58% increase since pre-pandemic numbers. This is likely driven by the country’s improved safety and attractions like Cartagena and Medellín.
## The Rise of Other Hubs
Lima and Panama City have also become key points of transfer for inter-American flight paths, thanks to their strategic locations. In fact, Panama and Lima have partly replaced Mexico City’s role in connecting the region, following the cancellation of a new airport project in 2018.
## The Future of Air Travel in Latin America
As air travel continues to grow in the region, it’ll be interesting to see how airports adapt to meet the demand. Will Bogotá maintain its top spot, or will other airports emerge as hubs? One thing’s for sure – Latin America is becoming an increasingly important player in the global aviation industry.
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*Further reading: [List of the busiest airports in Latin America – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_busiest_airports_in_Latin_America#2008:_15_busiest_airports)*