In the skies of Arauca, Santiago Perez Airport (AUC) stands out for its strategic location and essential services. This medium-sized Colombian airport, positioned at 7.06888°N latitude and -70.7369°W longitude within the America/Bogota time zone (GMT -5:00), serves as a crucial aviation link for the surrounding region.
Infrastructure and Operations
The airport features a single runway measuring 6,890 feet (approximately 2,100 meters) in length and 98 feet in width. The asphalt-paved surface provides excellent landing conditions for aircraft. Air traffic control operations are conducted primarily on frequency 118.1 MHz, ensuring efficient and safe flight management.
Currently, Santiago Perez Airport's commercial operations focus on connecting Arauca with Bogotá through regular flights to El Dorado International Airport (BOG). These vital connections are operated by Colombia's flag carrier Avianca and regional airline SATENA.
Economic and Social Impact
Santiago Perez Airport serves as more than just a transportation facility—it functions as a catalyst for regional development. The airport's operations facilitate economic growth, enable human mobility, and strengthen ties between Arauca Department and Colombia's capital.
Future expansion plans aim to accommodate growing regional demand while supporting rural tourism, business development, and cultural exchange. As Colombia's aviation sector navigates contemporary challenges, Santiago Perez Airport's unique advantages position it to play an increasingly important role in connecting different regions of the country and stimulating economic recovery.
With its strategic location and operational capabilities, the airport has potential to attract additional domestic and international routes, potentially evolving into a more significant regional transportation hub in coming years.