Aerial View of Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport

Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport MDE

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Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport (MDE) Guide

Discover Medellin's gateway, the second-largest in Colombia, known for its stunning outdoor garden. This concise guide covers everything from flight status, terminal info, to amenities, ensuring a seamless journey. Dive deeper into airport insights with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

Medellin Airport has one terminal with 18 gates. The terminal is divided into two levels, with arrivals on the first level and departures on the second level. The terminal is used by major airlines such as Avianca, LATAM, and Copa Airlines.

Upon arrival, passengers can follow the signs to baggage claim on the first level. After collecting their luggage, passengers can exit the terminal or proceed to the second level for transportation or to connect to another flight.

For departures, passengers can check-in at the airline counters located on the second level. After checking in, passengers can proceed to security screening and then to their departure gate. The gates are located within walking distance from each other, making it easy to navigate the terminal.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

MDE has only one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal is modern and spacious, making it easy for passengers to navigate through. There are no shuttle buses or trains required to get between the terminals as there is only one terminal building. However, passengers who need to transfer to another flight should allow enough time to pass through immigration and customs, collect their baggage, and check-in for their next flight. The walking time between the gates is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the location of the gates.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you're picking up a passenger, you can use the curbside parking area located outside the terminal building. However, keep in mind that curbside parking is strictly for active loading and unloading only. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times and are not permitted to leave their cars unattended. If you need to wait for your passenger, it's recommended to use the cell-phone waiting area, which is located just a few minutes away from the terminal building. This area is free of charge and provides a convenient location for drivers to wait until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

When dropping off a passenger, you can use the curbside area located outside the terminal building. However, the same restrictions apply, and drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times. If you need to accompany your passenger inside the terminal, it's recommended to use the short-term parking lot, which is located just a few steps away from the terminal building. This lot is designed for short-term parking and is ideal for dropping off passengers or for parking while you wait for your passenger to arrive.

Parking Facilities & Options

Medellin Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, providing easy access to the airport.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages, with designated spaces located near the airport terminals.

For those looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking facilities are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals.

Get details about MDE parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

MDE Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you reach your destination.

If you prefer to rent a car, major car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Budget are available at the airport. You can find their counters in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Taxis are also available outside the terminal building. The drop-off area is located at the arrivals level, and the fare to the city center is approximately COP 70,000. It is recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi.

Shared ride services such as Uber and Cabify are also available at the airport. The pickup area is located outside the terminal building, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels. The service is provided by various companies, and pickup areas are located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on the destination.

If you prefer public transportation, buses are available at the airport. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and you can take a bus to the city center for approximately COP 10,000.

Airport Hotels

Travel can be tiring, especially when it involves long-haul flights. That's where the convenience of airport hotels comes in. Whether you're looking for a luxurious 5-star property, a comfortable inn, or a unique loft experience, there's a hotel to suit your needs. All the hotels listed are within a mile of the airport, ensuring easy access for your flight. Many of them offer amenities such as complimentary private parking, on-site dining facilities, and serene gardens for relaxation. Some even feature a patio or terrace overlooking beautiful views, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. From the tranquil Doña Piedad and the luxurious Finca Hotel Zona Franca to the convenient Hollywood Paradise Hotel and the charming Hostal Hollywood Inn, these hotels offer a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. Why not make your journey a little more comfortable by staying at one of these convenient and comfortable Medellin Cordova Airport Hotels?

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

MDE Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy. If you're looking for a quick bite, head to Juan Valdez Café located in the Departures area. This coffee shop serves up delicious Colombian coffee and light snacks. Another great option is La Pausa, a restaurant located in the International Terminal that offers a menu of traditional Colombian dishes.

For those looking to do some shopping, there are plenty of stores to choose from. If you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, visit the Dufry Duty-Free store located in the Departures area. If you're looking for souvenirs to take back home, check out Arte y Diseño, a store that sells handmade Colombian crafts and artwork.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, check your options here.

Passenger Services

The airport offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available for any lost items during your travels.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's areas to keep them entertained and happy. Special-needs services are also available for those requiring assistance, including wheelchair accessibility and medical aid.

For any banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. In case of any medical emergencies, there is a medical center available to provide assistance.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancelations, or gate changes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which are located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on all departing flights, including gate information and any delays or cancelations.

Passengers can also be alerted about flight status changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own app that passengers can download for free, which provides up-to-date information on their flight status. These apps can send push notifications, text messages, or emails to passengers, alerting them of any changes to their flight.

Another way to get flight status information is by checking the airline's website. Most airlines have a flight status page on their website where passengers can enter their flight number and departure date to get the latest information on their flight status.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Medellin Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at MDE at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during peak travel periods such as holidays and weekends. Additionally, passengers should allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding procedures.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to MDE Airport. The most convenient option is by taxi, which can be arranged through the airport's official taxi service. Another option is by bus, with several routes available from various locations throughout the city. Passengers can also choose to drive and park at the airport, with both short-term and long-term parking options available.

Getting Oriented

Passengers can easily get oriented at the airport by using iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps provide detailed information on the airport's layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Passengers can also use the maps to locate baggage claim areas and transportation options.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport, passengers should arrive early and allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding procedures. It is also recommended that passengers check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport, as delays and cancellations can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, passengers should pack their carry-on bags carefully and follow all TSA regulations to avoid delays at security checkpoints.

Airport Facts & Stats

MDE is located in Rionegro, Colombia, approximately 19 miles southeast of Medellin. The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at MDE include Avianca, LATAM Airlines, and Viva Air, with an average of 90 daily flights. On average, the airport handles around 13,000 passengers daily and has an average of 120 daily flights.

MDE serves a total of 28 destinations, with the top 5 being Bogota, Miami, Panama City, Lima, and Cancun. The airport is a hub for Viva Air and EasyFly airlines.

Airport History

MDE Airport, also known as Rionegro Airport, is the second busiest airport in Colombia, serving the city of Medellin and the surrounding areas. The airport is named after Jose Maria Cordova, a Colombian military officer who fought for independence from Spain.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1985 - The airport was opened for commercial operations, replacing the Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin.
  • 1993 - The airport was closed temporarily due to security concerns during the height of the Medellin Cartel's power.
  • 2007 - A new terminal building was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to 9 million passengers per year.
  • 2010 - The airport was renamed from Rionegro Airport to the airport in honor of the Colombian military hero.
  • 2015 - The airport underwent a major renovation, including the expansion of the runway and the construction of a new control tower.

Today, Medellin Jose Maria Cordova Airport continues to be an important hub for air travel in Colombia, serving both domestic and international destinations.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Medellin Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MDE
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +57 4 4025110
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova, Autopista Medellín-Bogotá Km 7, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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