Colombia’s civil aviation authority Aerocivil has authorized Emirates as a foreign air carrier, paving the way for the airline to launch its first passenger flights to the country.
The decision follows a public meeting on Feb. 16 where the Dubai-based carrier outlined proposals to open a fifth-freedom route linking Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG) that will operate with a stop at Miami International Airport (MIA).
Following the approval, Emirates has outlined its intention to begin flying the route from June 3, offering daily service using Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER equipment. The flights will have capacity for up to 354 passengers in a three-class configuration, as well as 14 tons of cargo on each service.
“The arrival of Emirates to Colombia marks a historic milestone in our air connectivity and strengthens commercial and cultural ties with the Arab world,” Colombia’s Transport Minister William Camargo Triana says. “This will enhance tourism, trade and investment, promoting the country’s economic development and consolidating our position as a global destination.”
Emirates has offered cargo service to Colombia in the past, flying freighters to Bogotá via Mexico City Juarez International Airport in 2019. However, the country has been absent from its passenger route map until now. Civil Aviation General Director Sergio París says the airline’s arrival symbolizes Colombia’s “firm commitment to global integration.”
Colombia will become the third South American country served by Emirates for passenger flights, adding to existing operations in Rio de Janeiro Galeao, Brazil, and Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini, Argentina. For Bogotá, the host of the forthcoming Routes Americas 2024, the service opens up scores of new destinations on Emirates’ network beyond DXB.
The airline will introduce direct competition on the 1,511-mi. (1,313-nm) MIA-BOG route, challenging American Airlines, Avianca and LATAM Airlines Group. Currently, these carriers offer 3X-daily, 4X-daily and 2X-daily services, respectively. The route has approximately 21,400 two-way weekly passenger seats, with Avianca holding the majority share at 51% of the capacity.
Aerocivil’s approval for Emirates comes days after the organization reportedly cleared Avianca to begin flying between BOG and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Operations would be up to seven times per week using 787-8 aircraft.
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