Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport

Olaya Herrera Airport operates from the Guayabal district of Medellin, approximately 5 kilometres south of the city centre. Originally the city's main airport before José María Córdova opened in the 1980s, it now handles domestic flights, general aviation, and a significant volume of cargo traffic. The hangars — clustered along the southern edge of the airfield — are where private aircraft are stored, maintained, and dispatched. For passengers flying on regional airlines or charter services, these hangars serve as both check-in and boarding points, a setup that differs from the standard terminal experience.

Getting There

Reaching the hangars from central Medellin takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are the most straightforward option: a ride from El Poblado or Laureles costs around 15,000 to 25,000 COP. Uber and other ride-hailing services operate in the city and can drop passengers directly at the hangar entrance on Carrera 65A. For those using public transport, the Metro Line A to Poblado station is the closest stop, about a 10-minute taxi ride away. Buses along Avenida Guayabal (routes 302, 303, 304) run frequently and stop within walking distance of the airport perimeter. Drivers should follow signs for "Aeropuerto Olaya Herrera" and then look for the hangar area near the control tower; parking is available in a dedicated lot with wheelchair-accessible spaces.

Inside the Terminal

Olaya Herrera Airport does not have a single large terminal for hangar operations. Instead, each hangar functions as an independent check-in and waiting area. The main building — a two-storey structure with a metal roof — houses a small waiting room, a ticket counter, and basic facilities. Confirmed amenities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible toilet, a changing table, and standard toilets. The atmosphere is utilitarian: concrete floors, plastic chairs, and a small kiosk selling coffee and snacks. During busy periods — typically Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday around noon, and Thursdays at 2 pm — the waiting area can fill quickly. Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and security screening, which is handled by a single x-ray machine and a manual bag check. The hangars themselves are separate; passengers walk from the waiting area across the tarmac to their aircraft, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Olaya Herrera Airport hangars and Medellin, Guayabal, Medellin

Medellin has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades. Once known primarily for drug-cartel violence, it now ranks as one of Colombia's most innovative cities — a place where cable cars connect hillside favelas to the metro system, and public libraries anchor community regeneration. The airport's location in Guayabal places it at the southern edge of this urban fabric. Guayabal itself is a working-class neighbourhood, home to small factories, auto-repair shops, and a bustling food market on Calle 32. For travellers using the hangars, the immediate area offers few tourist attractions, but the wider city compensates. A 15-minute taxi ride north reaches the Parque de los Pies Descalzos, a sensory park where visitors walk barefoot on grass and stone. Twenty minutes east is the Comuna 13 district, famous for its street art and escalators that climb the steep hillsides. The reason many people fly through Olaya Herrera is practical: it is far closer to central Medellin than José María Córdova, which sits 30 kilometres away in Rionegro. For regional flights to cities like Pereira, Armenia, or Quibdó, or for charter services to remote airstrips in the Colombian Pacific, the hangars offer a direct, no-fuss connection. The airport also houses the Colombian Air Force's historical aircraft collection and occasionally opens for aviation days — check the website for events. Ultimately, the hangars serve as a reminder that aviation in Colombia often operates at a human scale: close to the city, close to the people, and close to the ground.

Practical Information

Olaya Herrera Airport hangars are open daily from approximately 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, though hours can vary by operator. The busiest times are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 12:00 pm, and Thursday at 2:00 pm — avoid these if you prefer a quieter experience. For flight schedules and hangar-specific information, call +57 43659032 or visit the airport's website at http://aeropuertoolayaherrera.gov.co/el-magico-mundo-de-los-hangares/. Note that the website is in Spanish and may have limited English content. The most practical tip: bring cash. The small kiosk inside does not always accept cards, and taxis outside prefer cash payments. Also, because hangar operations are less regulated than a full terminal, confirm your departure time directly with the airline — schedules can change with little notice.