Barranquilla - Ernesto Cortissoz

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ICAO Code SKBQ/BAQ
Last Validated Aug 2010
City Barranquilla
Position 10°53'23"N 074°46'51"W
Runway(s) 04/22
Elevation 98 ft

General

Barranquilla is a large industrial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Its airport is named after Ernesto Cortissoz, the founder of the world's second oldest airline, today's Avianca, who was a Barranquilla native.

Layout

Barranquilla has a single runway, with all facilities on its east side. From north to south the maintenance centre, navy apron, cargo centre, Douglas storage, terminal and air force unit can be found.

Getting There

The airport is located about 10km south of the city centre, just north of the village of Malambo. It can be reached by bus or taxi from the city centre. Buses will drop you off at the main road in front of the airport.

Around the Airport

1Terminal area

The best way to start your tour around Barranquilla is at the terminal area, which has an observation deck at ground level near the control tower. It is an incredibly hot spot in the morning, views are great although photography is forbidden here. Instead, head upwards to the restaurant right above the viewing area. From here, even better views can be obtained and although photography may not be allowed, it seems to be tolerated and is at its best in the morning. Moreover, the air-conditioning is doing a great job to keep your head cool. The elevated terminal access and exit road provides great views of the aprons on both sides of the terminal and photography seems to be allowed here as well. To the north of the terminal you can see the Douglas storage and to the south, glimpses can be had of the military apron, with the Yak-40 in store.

2Maintenance centre

The entrance of the maintenance centre can be found on a small road running parallel to road no.25. Although the airport is surrounded by a wall, a few glimpses can be had of the aircraft. And asking for a sneak peek does not hurt at all.

3East side approach 23

Spot 3 is a bit hard to find, as there is hardly any reference to the airport when driving road no.25. To avoid the city of Barranquilla, approach 23 is not used often. Find yourself a suitable spot near the intersection. As the neighbourhood is not too decent, you might want to keep your camera in your bag here...

4Approach 05

Approach 05 can be reached by driving south to Malambo on road no.25. Take the first paved road on your left and turn right on the dirt road at the first main intersection. The dirt road crosses the approach path. This is a rural area, so it may not be too hard to find yourself a quiet spot and do your thing. As the military area is nearby, be careful though. You may opt to take a motor taxi to get here and have yourself picked up a few hours later. Photography is great in the morning.

5West side approach 23

If runway 23 is in use, this spot might come handy. Coming from the terminal area, turn right on Via A Granabastos and find yourself a spot to the left of the road.

Spot 1 may be the best location to photograph active Super Tucanoes in the country (Wim Sonneveld).

Another shot taken at spot 1, from the restaurant on the first floor (Wim Sonneveld).

Frequencies

121.900Ground
118.100Tower
113.700ATIS
119.100Approach

Based Operators

Fuerza Aérea Colombiana - CACOM 3
GRUCO 31A-29B
OA-37B
Bell 212
C-95A
SR-560
UH-1H-II

Preserved

"FAC2176"OA-37B, at military gate
YV-1260CPYak-40, stored on military apron
HK-3530-XC-118A, Transoceanica de Aviacion c/s, spot 1
HK-3984-XDC-8-55CF, Aeronorte Colombia c/s, spot 1
OB-1222DC-8-61F, Aeronaves del Peru c/s, spot 1
OB-1300DC-8-54CF, Aeronaves del Peru c/s, spot 1

More Info

Barranquilla airportOficial website of Barranquilla airport

Other Airfields

Apiay - Capitán Luis Fernando Gómez Niño  
Barranquilla - Ernesto Cortissoz  
Bogotá - El Dorado International
Cali - Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Intl  
Cali - Marco Fidel Suárez  
Cartagena - Rafael Núñez  
Guaymaral - Flaminio S. Camacho (Chía)
Leticia - Alfredo Vásquez Cobo  
Madrid - Mayor Justino Mariño  
Medellín - Olaya Herrera  
Rionegro - José María Córdova  
San José del Guaviare - Jorge E. González Torres  
Santa Marta - Base Antinarcóticos  
Santa Marta - Simón Bolívar
Villavicencio - Vanguardia

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