The Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura approved 18 key interventions for the expansion of the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena as part of the airport modernization project being implemented with the concessionaire Operadora Internacional Aeropuerto de Cartagena (OINAC). 

The airport infrastructure, which was concessioned in 2025, is expected to increase its annual passenger handling capacity from 7 million to 11 million once the expansion works are completed. Based on the technical and environmental documentation submitted to the authority in November 2025 and February 2026, the project will be implemented within the airport’s currently licensed area and will not require additional natural resources or cause environmental impacts beyond those already covered under the existing environmental license. These interventions account for about 75% of the upgrades needed to enhance the airport’s operational capacity and passenger services. The documentation submitted to the authority included assessments of air quality, noise levels, ground stability, and operational risks, which determined that the anticipated environmental impacts would be minimal and manageable, and consistent with the Environmental Management Plan revised in 2025.

The Rafael Núñez Airport expansion and modernization project will include the construction of a new 17,360 m² international terminal, an expansion of the commercial apron by 15,740 m² (for a total of 99,770 m²), and the remodeling of the existing terminal. According to the concession agreement, with an investment of COP 920 billion (US$248 million) and a construction phase of 2.5 years, a total of 25,144 m² of the terminal will be renovated. Among the improvements are the renovation of 11,683 m² of the parking area, increasing capacity to 330 vehicles, and the construction of a road parallel to the runway to optimize airport operations.