Colombia’s Darien Border Region Gets Airport Upgrades, Hopes For Tourism Boost

Approach to Capurganá – all photos courtesy of Aerocivil Colombia

Hoping to strengthen tourism in the Darien region on the far west of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, bordering Panamá, over the past nine months, Aeronáutica Civil has invested $2.7 billion pesos in improvements to Capurganá’s Narcisa Navas Airport. Located just a few miles from Colombia’s border with Panamá, Narcisa Navas airport services the towns of Capurganá and Sapzurro.

Colombia’s Vice-President Germán Vargas Lleras has focused on infrastructure improvements.

Colombia’s Darién region in the department of Chocó was once a no-go zone for tourists. But in light of the tremendous social and security progress the country has made over the past decade, the region is a growing tourist destination, especially for ecotourism, and those seeking a more naturalistic, intimate experience than provided by large resorts or urban destinations.

German Vargas Lleras, Colombia’s Vice-President attended the ceremony presenting the improvements to the community. Airport improvements have been a priority of the Juan Manuel Santos administration.

Redes Y Edificaciones, S.A. was the contractor on the improvements, and completed the following upgrades:

• Hot asphalt paving of the 900 meter long, 10 meter wide runway
• Hot asphalt paving of the taxiway
• Re-paving of the tarmac
• Runway demarcation, including tarmac & taxiway

The small but modernized airport services the communities of Sapzurro & Capurganá, as well as surrounding rural areas. Historically these areas have been underdeveloped but are now receiving more attention-and funding.