Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport to Shut Down for Nearly Three Hours on July 20 for Independence Day Celebration

Colombia’s largest airport will cease operations for two and a half hours tomorrow to commemorate the nation’s Independence Day. With approval from the nation’s aviation authority, El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá will have no commercial flights from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm on July 20.

Aeronautica Civil (Aerocivil), the country’s aviation industry regulator, advised anyone traveling through the capital tomorrow to monitor their scheduled departures and arrivals as the disruption may affect itineraries.

The temporary shutdown will also affect the nearby Puente Aereo terminal that services a limited number of domestic flights. “It is possible that there will be early arrivals, delays, and cancellations for some of the national and international flights,” said Aerocivil in a statement.

Colombia is celebrating its 207th birthday after formally declared its independence from Spain on July 20 in 1810. In addition to the festivities planned throughout the country, the Tour de France will pay homage to the holiday by raising the Colombian flag before tomorrow’s leg of cycling through the Alps.

At least seven Colombians will spend their Independence Day on a bike racing in France, including Nairo Quintana, Esteban Chaves, Rigoberto Urán, Darwin Atapuma, Jarlinson Pantano, Sergio Luis Henao, and Carlos Betancur. The 30-year-old Urán has been far exceeding expectations, improving to second overall on Wednesday after the 17th stage with four days of racing to go.

Photo credit: Jared Wade