Antonio Roldán Betancur Airport

Antonio Roldan Betancur Airport sits on the outskirts of Carepa, a municipality in Antioquia, Colombia, serving the Urabá region with scheduled flights to Medellín and occasional charters. The airport is named after a former governor of Antioquia and occupies a compact plot of land surrounded by banana plantations — the region's economic lifeblood. With a single runway and a modest terminal, it handles a steady flow of passengers, mostly business travelers, local residents, and tourists heading to the Caribbean coast. The airport is not open 24 hours; its operating schedule aligns with flight arrivals and departures, typically from early morning to late afternoon. For anyone traveling to or through Urabá, this is the main air gateway.

Getting There

Antonio Roldan Betancur Airport is located in Carepa, approximately 10 kilometers south of Apartadó, the region's largest city. The drive from Apartadó to the airport takes about 15 to 20 minutes along a paved two-lane road that cuts through banana farms and small settlements. Taxis are readily available in Apartadó — the fare is around 20,000 to 30,000 Colombian pesos, depending on negotiation. From Carepa town center, the airport is about 5 kilometers away, a five-minute taxi ride (around 10,000 pesos). For travelers coming from Medellín, the airport is a two-hour drive via the Autopista al Mar, though road conditions can vary due to landslides or maintenance. Buses from Medellín to Apartadó run frequently from Terminal del Norte; from Apartadó's bus terminal, a taxi to the airport is the most practical option. There is no direct public transport to the airport terminal, so taxis or ride-hailing apps (where available) are recommended. Parking at the airport is limited — a small lot in front of the terminal offers spaces for about 30 cars, free of charge for short stays. For longer parking, passengers often leave their vehicles at nearby hotels or private lots.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Antonio Roldan Betancur Airport is a single-story building that handles arrivals and departures on the same floor. Upon entering, passengers find a small check-in area with a few counters — usually one or two airlines operate here (Satena and occasionally Avianca). Security screening is swift; there is a single x-ray machine and a metal detector, staffed by polite but thorough personnel. The waiting area after security is modest, with about 60 plastic chairs, a few fans (air conditioning is present but not always strong), and a view of the tarmac through large windows. Facilities confirmed include wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park directly in front of the entrance, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. There is also a changing table in the accessible toilet, useful for families. Baggage storage is available — a small counter near the check-in area can hold luggage for a fee (around 10,000 pesos per bag per day). The terminal has basic restrooms, a small shop selling snacks and drinks, and a coffee stand that opens during flight times. No duty-free. The atmosphere is relaxed; passengers often chat with staff. Departure gates are not numbered — just one gate leads to the apron, where passengers walk to the aircraft. Arrivals reclaim luggage from a carousel inside the terminal; the wait is usually under 15 minutes. Overall, the terminal is functional and clean, if bare-bones.

Airport Antonio Roldan Betancur and El Prado, Carepa

This airport is more than a transit point — it is the main connection to the Urabá region, a tropical area of Antioquia known for its banana plantations, Afro-Colombian culture, and proximity to the Caribbean coast. Urabá produces roughly half of Colombia's banana exports, and the airstrip's primary users are agricultural executives, technicians, and workers moving between Medellín and the plantations. But beyond commerce, the region draws visitors for its natural beauty: From Carepa, it is a 90-minute drive to Capurganá, a beach town accessible only by boat or light aircraft, known for its coral reefs and relaxed vibe. The nearby Nuevo San Lucas reserve and the Urabá Gulf beaches offer hiking and wildlife. The town of Carepa itself is a typical Colombian municipality with a central park, a church, and a lively market. The airport is often referred to as "El Prado" informally, after the neighborhood where it sits. Travelers pass through here on their way to explore the Darien Gap, though most continue by road. The history of the area is tied to the banana boom of the 1950s and 60s, which brought infrastructure and population growth. Today, the region is relatively safe, though petty crime exists — common sense applies. For the traveler, this airport is a convenient entry to a part of Colombia that feels distinct from the highlands: humid, green, and warm year-round, with an average temperature of 28°C. The landscape of rolling hills covered in banana plants stretches as far as the eye can see. Local cuisine features fried fish, patacones (fried plantains), and fresh juices. The airport's role in sustaining this region's connectivity cannot be overstated — roads are prone to closures due to weather, making air travel a reliable lifeline.

Practical Information

Antonio Roldan Betancur Airport is not open 24 hours. It operates from approximately 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, but hours shift based on flight schedules. The busiest times are Monday at 1:00 PM, Tuesday at 3:00 PM, Wednesday at 3:00 PM, Thursday at 3:00 PM. The official website is http://www.airplan.aero/ (though it may not have extensive information). Phone: +57 45208543 — calls are answered during operating hours. There is no ATM inside the terminal; bring cash for taxis and snacks. The nearest ATM is in Carepa town center, about 5 minutes away by taxi. No currency exchange — Colombian pesos only. Food options are limited to the coffee stand and shop; consider eating before arriving for longer waits. Baggage storage is available, but confirm hours in advance if you need to leave bags for an extended period. The terminal is wheelchair accessible throughout. Smoking is not permitted inside; there is a small area outside the entrance. One concrete piece of advice: confirm your flight departure time the day before traveling, as schedules change seasonally, especially during holidays. This airport is small enough that missing a check-in by 10 minutes could mean waiting a full day for the next flight.