La distruzione della città è immensa, ma anche la solidarietà

The government of Colombia confirmed Monday that the international airport in Pereira has reopened following a devastating earthquake that struck the region nearly three weeks ago. The Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña, which had been closed since early August due to damage caused by the quake, will resume operations with selected airlines beginning this week. The announcement was made by the national government under President Gustavo Petro’s administration, marking a key step in restoring connectivity for the coffee-growing region known as the Eje Cafetero. The airport closure followed the magnitude 6.2 earthquake on August 4, which left widespread destruction in Pereira and surrounding areas. The disaster disrupted infrastructure, including roads, homes, and critical facilities such as the airport. For nearly two weeks, the airport remained closed while assessments were conducted and repairs initiated. On August 22, the Civil Aviation Authority granted approval for limited operations after collaborative efforts among national authorities, local officials, and airline companies ensured safety standards were met. Aerolíneas authorized to operate include Copa Airlines, Clic, Avianca, and LATAM, all of which have already resumed their services. JetSMART, another regional carrier, is set to join these operations starting Monday, August 31. According to reports, the airport will initially function only on its first floor, limiting capacity but allowing essential air traffic to flow again. This phased approach aims to ensure passenger and staff safety while more extensive repairs continue. Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Mauricio Gómez Amín emphasized the significance of the airport's reopening during a press conference. “When a territory rises, Colombia rises with it,” he stated. He added that restoring the airport’s operations would reconnect Pereira and the Eje Cafetero with both national and international destinations, facilitating the return of tourists, business activity, and new economic opportunities for thousands of families affected by the quake. The manager of the Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña provided further details to Semana, confirming that the airport received final clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority on August 22. This decision came after thorough evaluations of structural integrity and compliance with aviation regulations. The collaboration between federal and local entities, along with the involvement of private airline operators, played a crucial role in expediting the process. Residents of Pereira and nearby towns have been working tirelessly to rebuild their lives amid ongoing recovery efforts. Many businesses remain shuttered, and reconstruction projects are still underway. However, the airport’s partial reopening offers hope for a gradual return to normalcy. Local officials expressed optimism that the resumption of flights would boost morale and stimulate economic recovery in the region. The earthquake triggered landslides and damaged buildings, forcing evacuations and leaving many without shelter. Emergency response teams continued to assist displaced residents, while humanitarian aid reached affected communities. Despite these challenges, the government and local leaders remain focused on long-term recovery plans, including infrastructure improvements and support for affected families. Authorities have not yet announced specific timelines for completing all necessary repairs at the airport, though officials indicated that work will proceed concurrently with operational activities. The phased reopening allows for continuous assessment of conditions and ensures that safety protocols are strictly adhered to. As of now, the airport is operating with reduced capacity, but plans are in place to expand services as conditions improve. The airport’s return to service represents a major milestone in the broader recovery effort for the Eje Cafetero. With increased connectivity, the region can begin to attract tourism and investment, which are vital for rebuilding the local economy. While challenges persist, the government and stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the area’s resilience and future growth.