Outrage as Bogotá Air Traffic Controller Turns Live Air Traffic Control Operations Over To His Teenage Child

Colombia’s civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, has suspended the licenses of several air traffic controllers and launched a formal investigation after Colombian media outlet RCN reported that an air traffic controller at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG), one of the busiest international hub airports in Latin America, allowed his teenage son to take over operations, placing the lives of thousands of passengers at risk. Worse, the controller’s supervisor was complicit in the very bad idea, alleged to have taken place on July 21. The incident has prompted a multi-agency response to determine the full extent of the security breach and any potential criminal liability.

“Under no circumstances may anyone outside the air traffic control services be permitted to manipulate the control communications equipment.” – Aerocivil

According to a statement from Aerocivil, the agency took immediate action following the incident. Through Resolution 1923, issued on July 25, the aeronautical licenses of the air traffic controllers directly involved have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

In addition to the suspensions, the Office of Internal Disciplinary Control has opened a case (2025/178) into five other officials who may have been connected to the event. The aviation authority has also announced its intention to refer the findings of its internal investigation to the Attorney General’s Office of Colombia to determine whether the acts warrant criminal charges against the controllers.

Video shows the teen providing runway coordinates, directions, landing authorizations & other weather information to airline pilots.

In its public statements, Aerocivil tried to reassure the public, saying that while the incident represents a “serious violation of air safety regulations,” established security protocols were activated, and at no point were active flight operations compromised. The authority emphasized that the actions of the individuals under investigation do not reflect the standards of the majority of its air traffic control professionals.

El Dorado International Airport is operated by Operadora Aeroportuaria Internacional (OPAIN S.A.), a private consortium. The airport is a critical hub for passenger and cargo traffic in Latin America. OPAIN has not yet issued a public statement on the matter.

Video provided by RCN