Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport

International Airport Anibal Arab Fadul (IATA: CIJ, ICAO: SLCO) sits on the southern edge of Cobija, the capital of Bolivia's Pando department, less than a kilometre from the Acre River that marks the border with Brazil. The airport serves a city of approximately 50,000 people in one of the most remote regions of the country, where the nearest major urban centre – Rio Branco in Brazil – is a two-hour drive away and Bolivian cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz are accessible only by air or by a multi-hour drive on unpaved roads. The single runway, 1,800 metres long, handles regional jets and turboprop aircraft, connecting Cobija to La Paz, Cochabamba, and occasionally to destinations in Brazil and Peru. The terminal is small, functional, and free of the crowds that define larger airports, though it can feel busy on mornings when multiple flights are scheduled.

Getting There

Cobija is not connected to the rest of Bolivia by paved road. The primary route from La Paz or other major cities is by air, but for local travellers arriving by river or overland from Brazil, the airport is about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. The distance from the main square (Plaza 27 de Mayo) to the terminal is roughly 2.5 kilometres. Taxis are the most practical option: a ride should cost between 15 and 20 bolivianos (around $2–3 USD). They line up outside the terminal and can also be hailed on Avenida de la Amistad, the main road leading to the airport. Alternatively, mototaxis (three-wheeled vehicles) are cheaper, about 5 bolivianos, and are common in Cobija. Driving yourself is possible if you have a car, but keep in mind that parking at the airport is limited. For those arriving from the Brazilian side (Rio Branco is about 90 minutes by car via the BR-317 and the border crossing at Epitaciolândia), you can take a taxi or collectivo to the border, walk across, and then pick up a taxi from the Bolivian checkpoint to the airport. The entire journey from central Rio Branco to Cobija airport takes about two hours depending on border formalities.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Anibal Arab Fadul is a single-storey building with separate areas for arrivals and departures. The check-in hall is small, with a few counters that typically service the airlines operating here – BoA (Boliviana de Aviación) and occasionally EcoJet. Security screening is straightforward, with a single X-ray machine and metal detector. The departures lounge has basic seating for about 80 passengers, a small snack bar, and a counter selling drinks and packaged snacks. Notably, the airport is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, and gender-neutral toilets, along with a designated transgender safe space – facilities that are still rare in Bolivian airports. There is also a changing table in the accessible toilet, making travel with infants easier. For those who need it, baggage storage is available. The terminal is clean and air-conditioned, though the air conditioning in the departure lounge can be inconsistent during the hottest months (October to March). Most passengers spend minimal time here because flights are infrequent and the terminal is designed for quick processing. However, on weekday mornings around 9 am – the busiest time across Monday to Thursday – the check-in area can become congested. Planning to arrive 90 minutes before departure should be enough for domestic flights, though international departures (rare) may require an extra 30 minutes for passport control.

International Airport Anibal Arab Fadul and Cobija

Cobija is not a typical tourist destination, but for those who make the journey, it offers an authentic slice of Amazonian Bolivia. The city was founded in 1906 after a border dispute with Brazil, and its name originates from the Araona word for “jaguar”. It sits in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, with an average temperature of 26°C and a rainy season from November to April. The airport is named after Anibal Arab Fadul, a former mayor of Cobija who was instrumental in the city's development. Most travellers come for business, government work, or to explore the Pando region's rivers, forests, and wildlife. The nearby Río Acre and its tributaries offer boat tours, fishing, and the chance to see pink river dolphins. The Cobija Biosphere Reserve, a protected area south of the city, is home to monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. History buffs can visit the Museo Municipal de Cobija, which houses artifacts from the rubber boom era (late 19th to early 20th century) that shaped the region. The city itself has a relaxed, frontier feel – the main plaza is shaded by mango trees, and the riverside promenade is popular for evening walks. The proximity to Brazil means that many locals speak Portuguese alongside Spanish, and Brazilian influence is visible in the cuisine and music. For travellers flying in, the contrast between the small, functional airport and the vast, green Amazon beyond is immediate. The airport's location on the edge of town means that upon stepping outside, you are greeted by the sounds of birds and the humidity of the rainforest. Cobija is not a place you pass through; it is a destination that demands time and curiosity. The airport serves as the only reliable link to the outside world for both passengers and cargo, making it a lifeline as much as a gateway.

Practical Information

The airport is not open every day. It operates only when flights are scheduled, typically Monday through Thursday, with most arrivals and departures clustered around 9 am. On days without flights, the terminal is closed. Check with your airline (BoA is the main carrier) for the exact schedule. Contact details: phone +591 75101074 (may not always be answered but worth trying), and the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091563102270&mibextid=ZbWKwL (infrequently updated). Be aware that facilities like the snack bar may only be open during flight times. The airport does not have an ATM, so bring cash for taxis and snacks – bolivianos are preferred, but Brazilian reais are sometimes accepted in a pinch. The baggage storage service is useful if you plan to explore Cobija with a layover, but confirm hours before relying on it. One practical tip: if you are flying out of Cobija, especially on a morning flight, book your taxi the night before because taxis are scarce early in the day. The airport is walkable from the city centre (about 30 minutes on foot), but walking on the main road with luggage is not recommended due to occasional stray dogs and limited sidewalks. Travel light, bring insect repellent, and carry a water bottle – the terminal's snack bar may not always be open.