Bogotá, march de 2026

In a move that strengthens connectivity to one of the most geographically challenged territories in the Colombian Pacific, SATENA—the airline of Colombians—announced the opening of the new Cali – El Charco – Cali route, which will begin operations on April 15, 2026.

The connection will offer four weekly frequencies on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It will be operated by a Twin Otter aircraft, which is ideal for servicing airfields with special characteristics and difficult-to-access territories. This new route will significantly reduce travel times to this municipality in the department of Nariño, where air transport plays a decisive role in mobility, access to services, and territorial integration.

"Connecting El Charco is the fulfillment of our core purpose. We are reaching a territory where flying is not a complementary option, but a necessity to guarantee access, opportunities, and institutional presence. This new route reaffirms our commitment to the regions that have historically faced the greatest connectivity barriers," stated Major General Óscar Zuluaga Castaño, President of SATENA.

This new route seeks to improve geographic access to the Nariño Pacific through a differential fare scheme designed to facilitate the region's air connectivity. As part of the launch, promotional fares have been made available for purchases made through April 6, applicable for travel between April 15 and May 27.

The web fare for the Cali – El Charco – Cali route starts at $230,000 COP, while tickets purchased through in-person channels start at $251,300 COP.

Schedule (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays):

Cali – El Charco: 12:40 p.m.

El Charco – Cali: 2:55 p.m.

This new operation will link Cali, one of the main urban and economic hubs in Southwestern Colombia, with a strategic area of the Nariño Pacific coast, characterized by its cultural wealth, biodiversity, and social importance. For the inhabitants of El Charco and nearby municipalities, this air connection represents a safe and efficient alternative to the limitations of river and land transport.

El Charco, located on the Pacific coast of Nariño, has historically faced conditions of isolation due to its complex geography. In this context, air connectivity becomes a key tool to facilitate access to healthcare, education, trade, and institutional management, as well as to strengthen the state's presence in the territory.

"Regional connectivity is a policy of national integration. Every new route we open has a direct impact on the lives of these communities. We don't just transport passengers; we facilitate development, bring opportunities closer, and support the social and economic growth of the regions," added Zuluaga Castaño.

The launch of this route is part of SATENA's expansion plan, which is aimed at consolidating strategic corridors toward the country's prioritized zones, ensuring an operation that is safe, sustainable, and aligned with the airline's social mission.

With this new connection, SATENA continues to broaden its network in the Colombian Pacific and reaffirms its role as the State's strategic airline, committed to territorial integration and air access in regions where connectivity makes all the difference.

About SATENA:

SATENA is the state-owned airline of Colombia, founded in 1962. Since its inception, it has played a fundamental role in providing air connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach regions of the country. Its primary goal is to provide air transport services to isolated communities, fostering socio-economic development and tourism. Throughout its 63 years, the airline has successfully expanded its route network, connecting cities and destinations that were previously unreachable for many. Its commitment is based on "reaching where no one else goes," offering essential air connectivity for activities such as trade and medical care in remote areas.