Avianca Flight AV4805 Strands Passengers After Runway Incident at Camilo Daza Airport Cúcuta – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on November 13, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On the afternoon of November 12, 2025, an Avianca Airbus A320neo, flight AV4805, from Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to Cúcuta’s Camilo Daza Airport encountered a serious disruption after landing. The aircraft, registered HK-5390, became immobile after its nose gear sank into a pothole on the runway during a taxi turn toward the terminal.

What Happened?

Avianca flight AV4805, carrying 160 passengers and 6 crew members, had completed a safe landing at Camilo Daza Airport around 3:00 PM local time. However, while attempting to turn onto the taxiway, the aircraft’s nose landing gear sank into a large pothole in the runway surface. The hole, estimated to be between 1-2 meters deep, had likely been exacerbated by heavy rainfall and long-standing infrastructure issues at the airport.

As a result, the aircraft could not move forward, causing an immediate standstill and halting all ground operations. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the aircraft was quickly evacuated via mobile stairs. The passengers were then transported to the terminal by buses.

Why Did This Happen?

The incident occurred due to deterioration in the runway surface, a problem that has been flagged for urgent repairs since 2024. According to Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil), Camilo Daza Airport has had ongoing issues with the runway, including poor drainage and general neglect of infrastructure maintenance. Despite warnings about the risks posed by deteriorating runway conditions, repairs have been delayed due to budget constraints.

The pothole in question is believed to have been worsened by recent heavy rains in the region, further weakening the runway structure. This incident underscores the broader concerns within Colombia’s regional airports, where infrastructure issues are a recurring challenge. Camilo Daza, being a key airport in the Norte de Santander department, has seen several such issues in the past, including a minor gear-related incident in July 2025.

Who Was Affected?

The immediate impact was felt by the passengers aboard flight AV4805 and those waiting for flights at Camilo Daza Airport. The runway was closed for approximately three hours, from around 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM local time, as airport staff worked to remove the stranded aircraft. During this period, five incoming and outgoing flights were either delayed or diverted to nearby airports. Passengers were accommodated in the terminal, provided with refreshments, and most were rebooked on later flights or alternative transportation options by Avianca.

The incident also led to a temporary suspension of all flight operations at the airport, causing inconvenience not only for the affected passengers but also for those traveling to or from Cúcuta that afternoon.

When Did This Happen?

The incident took place on November 12, 2025, in the afternoon. The aircraft had landed safely but became immobilized on the runway shortly after completing its landing roll. The situation was resolved by late evening, with the runway reopening after three hours and the aircraft extracted by heavy machinery.

By 6:00 PM, the aircraft was successfully towed from the runway, and the runway was cleared for resumption of operations. The aircraft, which suffered only minor damage to its nose gear and undercarriage, was sent for inspection and maintenance at a hangar. It is expected to return to service following repairs.

Where Did This Happen?

This disruption occurred at Camilo Daza International Airport (SKCC), the primary airport serving Cúcuta, a city located in Colombia’s border region with Venezuela. The airport, while crucial for regional air traffic, has faced ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning its runway conditions. Cúcuta’s proximity to the Venezuelan border further increases the importance of the airport for international flights, especially with rising demand for connectivity to and from Bogotá.

How Was the Situation Handled?

The response to the incident was swift and efficient. The aircraft was removed from the runway using heavy machinery, including cranes, to avoid further delays and to ensure minimal damage. No structural failures occurred, and no fires or hazardous incidents were reported. The local emergency response team was immediately dispatched, and no ground injuries were sustained during the event.

Avianca quickly issued a statement confirming the safe evacuation of passengers and apologizing for the disruptions. The airline assured that they were cooperating fully with authorities and working to rebook affected passengers on later flights.

In addition, Aerocivil has ordered immediate repairs to the runway and is investigating the incident in collaboration with the airport operator, Consorcio Aerocúcuta. The runway’s condition, which had already been flagged for urgent repairs, will now be prioritized. Local authorities in Norte de Santander have called for federal funding to expedite infrastructure updates and prevent further disruptions.

Broader Context

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining Colombia’s regional airport infrastructure, particularly in border regions like Cúcuta. Runway deterioration and poor drainage have been long-standing issues, and this event has brought renewed attention to the need for investment in airport modernization. Camilo Daza’s runway was previously flagged for urgent repairs in 2024, but lack of funds and ongoing budget constraints have delayed action. This has led to heightened concerns about the safety and reliability of regional air travel in Colombia.

The incident also marks the second such runway-related issue at Camilo Daza Airport in 2025, highlighting the vulnerability of regional airports with limited budgets for maintenance and upgrades.

Conclusion

The incident involving Avianca Flight AV4805 at Camilo Daza International Airport is a stark reminder of the critical need for infrastructure improvements in Colombia’s regional airports. The immediate disruption was handled efficiently, with no injuries reported, but the event calls for urgent attention to airport maintenance and long-overdue repairs. As Aerocivil and local authorities work to address the runway issues, the incident serves as a catalyst for prioritizing the modernization of Colombia’s regional aviation infrastructure to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel across the country.