Massive Travel Chaos Hits South America as Avianca, United, LATAM Colombia, Copa, and Other Airlines Report Over 80 Cancellations and 179 Delays Affecting Thousands in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru at Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Quito and More

Published on December 2, 2025

The massive travel chaos across South America has intensified today as Avianca, United, LATAM Colombia, Copa, and several other airlines struggle to stabilize operations due to bad weather. This chaos, marked by over 80 cancellations and 179 delays, continues to affect thousands of passengers. Notably, travelers in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are feeling the impact most strongly. As disruptions spread, major airports in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, and Quito remain under pressure. Since early morning, conditions have worsened, with severe weather causing low visibility and poor flying conditions. Airlines like Avianca and United are struggling to reorganize schedules in the face of these challenges. Meanwhile, LATAM Colombia and Copa are attempting to accommodate stranded passengers. Additionally, airports in Bogotá and Medellín are now experiencing heavier congestion, which further complicates recovery efforts.

These widespread disruptions highlight the fragility of regional flight networks, and as delays expand in Cartagena, Cali, and Quito, travelers across South America are urged to stay informed and prepare for continued uncertainty.

Total Delays and Cancellations Today

• Total Delays: 179
• Total Cancellations: 81

These delays and cancellations are the result of various operational challenges faced by airlines at several key airports, impacting travelers in the region.

Affected Airports and Airlines

José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) – Medellín, Colombia

José María Córdova International, located in Medellín, Colombia, is experiencing significant disruptions. A total of 31 delays and 14 cancellations have been recorded at this airport. Major airlines like Avianca have been particularly affected, with 12 cancellations and 19 delays. Other airlines, including United Airlines, LATAM Colombia, Copa Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit, also reported delays, though cancellations at this airport were relatively lower for these carriers.

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) – Cartagena, Colombia

In Cartagena, Colombia, Rafael Núñez International has seen 26 delays and 8 cancellations. Avianca accounted for a significant number of these disruptions, with 8 cancellations and 13 delays. Other airlines like LATAM Colombia, JetSMART, and KLM were also involved, but the disruption was less severe compared to Medellín.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG) – Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport reported the highest disruptions, with 112 delays and 51 cancellations today. Avianca was once again a major contributor, with 48 cancellations and 60 delays. Other affected airlines included Clic Air, JetSMART, and Spirit, each contributing to the delays and cancellations across various routes.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) – Cali, Colombia

At Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International in Cali, Colombia, 10 delays and 8 cancellations were reported. The disruptions were relatively minimal compared to those at the larger airports like El Dorado, but they still affected travelers, especially those flying with Avianca Ecuador and Aerolineas Argentinas.

José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) – Medellín, Colombia

This airport continued to experience delays and cancellations throughout the day. The total delays at José María Córdova International amounted to 31, while 14 cancellations were recorded across various airlines.

Analysis: Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries

The disruptions primarily impacted passengers traveling to and from major cities in Colombia, with Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, and Bogotá being the most affected. The most severe disruptions occurred at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, where travelers faced the highest number of delays and cancellations, including 112 delays and 51 cancellations. Medellín’s José María Córdova International was also significantly impacted, particularly by Avianca‘s operational challenges.

In addition to Colombia, other countries such as Ecuador (affecting Avianca Ecuador) and Peru (affecting JetSMART Peru) were also impacted by delays. These disruptions have not only affected local travelers but also international passengers connecting to other parts of South America and beyond.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers facing delays or cancellations, the first step is to check with the airline for updates on flight status and rebooking options. Most airlines will provide assistance with rebooking flights or offering alternatives, such as accommodations, meals, and transportation in the case of long delays or cancellations.

• Stay Informed: Passengers should monitor their flight status through their airline’s website or mobile app for real-time updates.
• Contact Airlines: For rebooking or assistance, passengers should contact their airline’s customer service or visit the airline’s help desk at the airport.
• Consider Alternate Routes: In some cases, passengers may be able to book a flight with another carrier if their current airline is experiencing extensive delays. However, this may depend on availability and the specific airline’s policies.
• Compensation and Refunds: Passengers facing long delays or cancellations may be entitled to compensation or refunds, depending on local regulations and airline policies. It’s important to inquire about these options directly with the airline.

Conclusion

The disruptions across South American airports today highlight the ongoing challenges in air travel, with airlines struggling to maintain regular schedules. Passengers are advised to stay updated, remain in contact with their airlines, and be prepared for potential rebooking. The delays and cancellations, while frustrating, are a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of flexibility during travel.

Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports