An incident in the control tower of the El Dorado International Airport, in Bogotá, has started a discussion around to protocols and aerial operational safety.
(Read more: Aerocivil opens an incident research that occurred in El Dorado Control Tower)
The facts took place on July 21, when allegedly An 18 -year -old, without supervision or experience, assumed the operation for a few moments. The one involved, who apparently is the son of an air controller, would have handled the communications equipment and taught instructions from the tower to some aircraft.
After the complaints filed by this irregular act, Civil aeronautics adopted a series of measures in order to guarantee the transparency of the processes.
Among the immediate actions, It was decided to temporarily suspend aeronautical licenses of the air controllers involved in the event. In addition, the Disciplinary Internal Control Office initiated an inquiry that covers five officials apparently linked to the incident.
“It is important to emphasize that this situation represents a serious violation of air safety standards and the confidence deposited by passengers, crews and system operators, so aeronautics reject these situations in a category and underlines that these do not reflect the conduct of most air control professionals,” The aerocivil.
(Read more: Air companies, Moors in more than $ 133,000 million in phenions with pilots)
Air traffic
Istock
For her part, the president of the Association of Air Controllers, Irina Lara, explained in dialogue with ‘Noticias Caracol’ that although this act did not imply a risk, Yes it constitutes a serious violation in the rules of operation in a restricted area.
Lara also provided other details about the event, indicating that the young man involved was not only at the time of the events and that these occurred in a period with low traffic density. “You see the hand of the partner who was guiding him,” projection.
He also stressed that it was an imprudent act: “We cannot cover the sun with a finger, it was reckless, but did not imply a risk of security. ”
(See: air traffic in Colombia exceeded 27 million passengers in the first semester)
‘Inadmissible situation’
Given this situation, the District Tourism Office pronounced in rejection of what happened and made A call to the authorities and control agencies To thoroughly investigate what happened, responsibilities are established and strong measures are implemented.
“These types of situations are absolutely inadmissible and represent a serious risk to air security, travelers’ confidence and the international image of Bogotá as a tourist destination”the entity said.
(Read more: Imports grew 10.8% in May wholesale manufacturing flow)
The entrance of a young man, son of a controller, to the control tower of the El Dorado International Airport to manipulate air navigation systems is a very serious fact. Without accreditation or authorization, ICAO and RAC rules were violated, compromising security … pic.twitter.com/gzgz7aysr6
– Andrés Santamaría Garrido (@Ansantamaria) July 27, 2025
Andrés Santamaría, director of the office, also remarked that this event not only committed operational security, but also “The life of hundreds of people in flight.”
“This act puts international certifications at risk, weakens global trust and can affect key sectors such as tourism, investment and air connectivity. That technical personnel have allowed it makes it even more alarming. From the Tourism Office we call on strengthening the air security of the El Dorado airport,”he added.
(More news: ‘Colombia is in the big leagues, but needs infrastructure to continue’: IATA)
Jessika Rodriguez M.
Portfolio journalist
