JetSMART Moves Pereira Flights To Armenia Airport As Colombia Travel Connectivity Continues

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

Samadrita Mukherjee

A dedicated Digital News Writer with experience in creating accurate, engaging, and SEO-optimized news content for digital platforms. Skilled in researching, verifying facts, and producing timely articles on travel, tourism, aviation, visa updates, and breaking news. Strong understanding of WordPress, SEO best practices, Google Discover guidelines, and audience-focused content strategies. Capable of crafting compelling headlines, optimizing content for search visibility, and maintaining high editorial standards under tight deadlines. Committed to delivering credible, informative, and reader-friendly news while adapting to evolving digital publishing trends and organizational requirements.

See Full Bio

August 23, 2026 11:58 AM

For the time being, JetSMART Airlines has relocated its operations from Pereira’s Matecaña International Airport to El Edén International Airport in Armenia, Colombia, due to the closing of the airport following an infrastructural review of the facility, which was caused by the occurrence of an earthquake in the region. The relocation is expected to be carried out between August 24 and August 30, 2026, so that air connections can still be maintained by travellers in the Colombian Coffee Region as airport conditions are being assessed.

This means that travellers whose itinerary involves travelling through Pereira airport will have to make changes in their departure destination.

Why This Matters For Travellers In Colombia

Airport closures can quickly affect tourism plans, business journeys and local mobility, particularly in regions where one airport serves several nearby cities. Pereira’s Matecaña International Airport is an important gateway for Colombia’s Coffee Region, serving travellers visiting destinations known for coffee farms, nature experiences and cultural attractions.

By moving flights to Armenia, JetSMART is creating an alternative option instead of completely suspending connectivity. The decision allows travellers to continue reaching the region while infrastructure assessments and recovery measures continue at Pereira.

For visitors planning trips to Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, the temporary change means flexibility will be essential. Travellers may still reach the region but could need additional ground transportation between Armenia and Pereira.

How The Operational Shift Affects Passengers

• Flights previously connected with Pereira will temporarily operate through Armenia’s El Edén International Airport.
• Travellers must verify their updated departure airport before arriving at the terminal.
• Additional road transfers may be required between Armenia and Pereira.
• Tourism and business travellers can maintain access to the Coffee Region despite the disruption.
• Passengers should monitor airline updates before travelling.

The temporary solution helps protect regional connectivity while reducing the impact of airport disruption on travellers.

What Has Changed With JetSMART’s Flight Operations

JetSMART announced that its Pereira operations will temporarily move to Armenia starting August 24, following the closure of Matecaña International Airport after the August 10 earthquake. The airline’s adjustment is intended to maintain transportation links while authorities assess the affected airport infrastructure.

During the temporary arrangement, JetSMART will operate flights from Armenia to key domestic destinations, supporting passengers who would otherwise face cancelled or significantly disrupted travel plans.

Main Changes In JetSMART’s Temporary Schedule

• JetSMART will operate from El Edén International Airport in Armenia instead of Pereira.
• The temporary operation is planned between August 24 and August 30, 2026.
• The airline will operate two to three daily flights between Armenia and Bogotá.
• A daily Armenia–Cartagena service will also operate during the adjustment period.
• The schedule aims to maintain connectivity for Pereira-area passengers.

The temporary transfer allows JetSMART to continue serving travellers in the Coffee Region while adapting to changing airport conditions.

How The Move Supports Colombia’s Coffee Region Tourism

The Coffee Region is one of Colombia’s major tourism areas, attracting visitors with coffee plantations, mountain landscapes, ecological attractions and cultural experiences.

Pereira, Armenia and Manizales act as important gateways for travellers exploring this region. Any disruption at one airport can influence visitor movement, tour arrangements and local tourism businesses.

The decision to shift operations to Armenia provides an alternative route for visitors who have already planned trips to the region.

Tourism Benefits From Maintaining Air Access

• International and domestic visitors can continue reaching the Coffee Region.
• Hotels and tourism operators face fewer cancellations from transport disruption.
• Travellers have alternative airport options during the closure period.
• Regional tourism activity can continue despite infrastructure challenges.
• Businesses can better manage visitor arrivals.

Maintaining flight access is particularly important during peak travel periods when sudden disruptions can affect accommodation bookings, tours and local experiences.

Passenger Support Measures Introduced By JetSMART

Alongside the airport relocation, JetSMART has introduced additional flexibility measures for affected passengers. Travellers with tickets issued between August 10 and August 31 for journeys to, from or through Pereira and Cali can access rebooking options and other alternatives.

These measures are designed to reduce uncertainty for passengers whose travel plans have been affected by the airport situation.

Options Available For Affected Travellers

• Rebooking on the same route without penalties or fare differences for eligible travel dates.
• Travel changes available for journeys up to December 1, 2026.
• Alternative routing options depending on availability.
• Refund possibilities through original payment methods or airline gift cards.

These passenger support measures provide additional flexibility while normal airport operations remain disrupted.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking Or Flying

Travellers using Pereira or nearby airports should carefully review their flight details before heading to the airport. Operational changes during infrastructure emergencies can happen quickly, and passengers should rely on airline notifications for the latest information.

Before Booking

• Eligibility: Passengers affected by the temporary Pereira disruption should check whether their booking qualifies for flexibility options.
• Booking conditions: Travellers should confirm updated airport details and flight times directly with JetSMART.
• Destinations: Alternative flights are operating through Armenia with connections to Bogotá and Cartagena.
• Availability: Temporary schedules may change depending on airport assessments and operational requirements.
• Official advice: Passengers should arrive at the correct airport and allow extra time for transfers if travelling through Armenia.

Travellers visiting Colombia’s Coffee Region should plan additional ground transportation time if their journey now begins or ends in Armenia.

Industry Impact Of Airline Flexibility During Airport Disruptions

The JetSMART adjustment demonstrates the importance of airline flexibility during unexpected transport disruptions. Airlines that can quickly relocate operations help maintain regional connectivity and reduce the economic impact of airport closures.

For tourism destinations, aviation resilience is increasingly important. Visitors often choose destinations based on accessibility, and temporary alternatives can help protect travel confidence.

Wider Aviation And Tourism Implications

• Shows the importance of secondary airports during disruptions.
• Protects tourism flows during infrastructure challenges.
• Supports regional economic activity.
• Reduces passenger disruption through alternative operations.
• Highlights the role of flexible airline networks.

The situation also demonstrates how airports within the same tourism region can work together to maintain visitor movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did JetSMART move Pereira flights to Armenia?

JetSMART moved its operations from Pereira to Armenia after Matecaña International Airport temporarily closed following earthquake-related assessments.

Which airport will JetSMART use instead of Pereira?

JetSMART will operate from El Edén International Airport in Armenia, Colombia.

How long will the temporary operation last?

The temporary schedule is planned from August 24 to August 30, 2026, subject to operational updates.

What should passengers with Pereira bookings do?

Passengers should check their updated flight information, confirm the departure airport and review available flexibility options with JetSMART.

Can travellers still visit Colombia’s Coffee Region?

Yes. Alternative air connections through Armenia allow travellers to continue accessing the Coffee Region while Pereira operations are affected.

Closing Update

The temporary diversion of the Pereira flights to Armenia by JetSMART represents a very important mode of transportation in light of the current disruptions at the airports in Colombia. Through ensuring that there are continued connections within the domestic airlines, the company is making sure that the mobility of the people remains intact despite the current situation within the Coffee Region.

The most critical thing for the travelers would be to stay informed, as well as ensure that they have the right information regarding the airports and allow enough time for transfer.