Impacto de la pandemia Covid -19 en la eficiencia aeroportuaria en Colombia

Abstract

The implementation of new transportation technologies had allowed for the development of air transportation, improving its operation and providing higher quality services to users. However, the global socio-economic crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic has compromised that quality. This article aims to examine the efficiency of airlines in Colombia in the context of this health emergency. During the pandemic, airline capacity was significantly reduced worldwide, including in Colombia, with a decrease of 70% to 80% compared to previous years. Traditional and low-cost airlines faced unprecedented challenges, such as a decrease in passengers, social distancing measures, and flight cancellations, which affected their operations and profitability. Although low-cost airlines demonstrated higher efficiency during the crisis due to the nature of their shorter flights and tourist destinations, they were more adversely affected after the pandemic, with some even ceasing operations due to lack of liquidity. This study also conducts a comparative analysis of transportation modes in Colombia, demonstrating that, given the lack of infrastructure in land modes and deficient road networks, air transportation is more competitive and enables access to various remote municipalities. We also highlight the contribution generated by the aeronautical union in the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.