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Colombia's airports start to reopen after devastating earthquake as Foreign Office warns of ongoing disruption

Colombia
Dea Jusufi
12 August 2026

Colombia will stagger efforts to reopen airports affected by the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake which struck the country on Monday (10 August), although the Foreign Office continues to warn of travel disruption as certain restrictions remain in place.

Aerial view of Guatape, Colombia
iStock/Hispanolistic

Seven airports in the region, including Matecana International Airport, have had their operations suspended

The FCDO said the earthquake, which struck at around 7.30am local time, affected large parts of the country and had its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in the western department of Choco.

It is advising travellers already in Colombia to follow local authorities, stay away from damaged buildings and plan ahead, while warning of the possibility of aftershocks.

Several airports have now resumed commercial operations following technical inspections, although others remain subject to significant restrictions or temporary closure.