ANLA orders an environmental public hearing to discuss the expansion of Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena

NewsThe ANLA's ruling responds to a legal action (tutela) filed by the Ethnic Federation of Artisanal Fishers of La Boquilla (FETEPESCA). Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, boarding lounge Photo: John Montaño/ EL TIEMPOJOURNALIST16.10.2026 09:20 Updated: 16.10.2026 09:25 Through Order 013743 of October 13, 2026, the National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) ordered the holding of an environmental public hearing in Cartagena to discuss the expansion and remodeling project of the Rafael Núñez International Airport. This citizen participation mechanism will allow local communities, social organizations, and key stakeholders to learn in detail about the environmental impacts of the megaproject and to submit their observations, documents, and concerns before the authority issues a final decision on the modification of the environmental license. READ ALSO Works for the modernization and expansion of the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena Photo:Rafael Núñez International Airport in CartagenaThe ANLA's ruling responds to a tutela filed by the Ethnic Federation of Artisanal Fishers of La Boquilla (FETEPESCA) and by citizen Ulises Cáceres Leal, backed by more than a hundred signatures from residents of the airport's area of influence. The environmental authority determined that the session must be held in person in Cartagena territory to prevent connectivity, distance, or transportation barriers from hindering residents' active participation. Administrative timeline and the debate over the mangroves of the Ciénaga de La Virgen. The request to modify the environmental license was filed on June 4, 2025 by Operadora Internacional Aeropuerto de Cartagena S.A.S. (Oinac), the project's holder. After initiating the formal evaluation with Order 5095 of that same year, the process was suspended in November 2025 pending a technical opinion from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development on the update of the environmental zoning of the Ciénaga de La Virgen swamp complex, since the works would involve interventions in mangrove areas. READ ALSO Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, VIP lounge Photo:John Montaño/ EL TIEMPOOnce the ministry's pronouncement was obtained, the ANLA lifted the suspension through Order 13684 of October 9, 2026, resuming the legal deadlines that led to the convening of the participation mechanism. Logistical and methodological guarantees required of the concessionaire. The administrative act gives the concessionaire Oinac a period of 15 business days from notification to submit an exhaustive logistical and methodological proposal. This strategy must include:Dissemination schemes and prior access to the environmental impact study documentation in physical and digital formats. Connectivity mechanisms, technical support, and audiovisual recording of the event. Transportation logistics from hard-to-reach rural areas, as well as guarantees of hydration and food for attendees. Risk management measures for the safe conduct of the event. READ ALSO Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena Photo:Rafael Núñez International Airport in CartagenaThe ANLA clarified that the order to hold the public hearing does not imply the approval or modification of the environmental license, which will continue under technical evaluation until the final opinion is issued. The exact date, time, and venue of the hearing will be announced in the coming days through an official edict from the environmental authority. Documentary by journalist Jineth Bedoya. Photo:CARTAGENA Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.