
SATENA, which stands for Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales, is a Colombian government-owned airline headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia. Operating under IATA code 9R and ICAO code NSE, SATENA serves as a vital lifeline for remote and underserved communities across Colombia. The airline was established on 12 April 1962 under Decree 940, signed by President Alberto Lleras Camargo, with the mission of providing air connectivity to regions that are difficult to reach by road or river. SATENA operates under the oversight of the Colombian Air Force, which provides operational support through military officers and non-commissioned personnel. The airline's main hub is El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá, with a secondary hub at Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) in Medellín.
SATENA is unique among Latin American carriers because of its dual mandate: operating as a commercial airline while fulfilling a social mission to connect Colombia's most isolated territories. From the dense Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coastline and the vast eastern plains, SATENA reaches communities that no other airline serves. With more than six decades of continuous operation, SATENA remains a cornerstone of domestic aviation in Colombia, providing affordable air travel to over 50 destinations nationwide.
SATENA has a rich history spanning over 60 years of service to the Colombian people. Below are key milestones in the airline's development:
SATENA's primary hub at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, handling millions of passengers each year. The airline's secondary hub at Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín serves as a key gateway for routes to Colombia's western and Pacific coast regions. SATENA's mission is to integrate Colombia's national territory by providing safe, reliable, and affordable air transport to communities that lack alternative means of connectivity.
SATENA operates a diverse fleet of regional aircraft specifically chosen for their ability to operate on short runways and in challenging terrain conditions found across Colombia's geography. The current fleet includes approximately 27 aircraft comprising the following types:
This varied fleet composition allows SATENA to match the right aircraft to each route based on passenger demand, runway length, altitude, and terrain. The airline maintains its fleet in accordance with Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil) regulations, ensuring the highest safety standards. The recent addition of the ATR 72-600 aircraft represents a significant step in SATENA's fleet modernisation programme, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort on popular routes.
SATENA operates an extensive domestic route network connecting over 50 destinations across Colombia, making it the airline with the widest geographic coverage in the country. As of 2025, SATENA serves 172 active domestic routes, a significant increase from 88 routes in 2022. Key routes include:
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring Colombia, Traveloka offers convenient connections through major hub airports. You can search for multi-city itineraries on Traveloka to reach Colombian destinations via connecting flights. Here are some popular routes from Kuala Lumpur that can connect you onward to Colombia:
Check the latest available flights and schedules directly on Traveloka for real-time pricing and availability.
Understanding SATENA's baggage rules before you fly helps you pack wisely and avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
SATENA follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
Airport counter check-in is available at all SATENA departure airports across Colombia. Recommended arrival times are:
Counter staff will verify your identity, issue your boarding pass, and tag any checked baggage for loading.
SATENA offers web check-in through its official website, available from 24 hours up to 2 hours before departure. To complete the process:
Up to 9 passengers on the same reservation can use web check-in simultaneously. Even after completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage must still visit the baggage drop counter at the airport.
SATENA operates an all-economy cabin configuration across its entire fleet. The airline does not offer business class or first class seating. Seat configurations vary by aircraft type:
As SATENA primarily operates short domestic flights connecting Colombia's regions, onboard food service is kept simple. On most flights, passengers receive complimentary light refreshments including water, soft drinks, and sometimes coffee or tea. On slightly longer routes, a small packaged snack such as crackers or biscuits may also be provided. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are advised to bring their own food and drinks on board.
SATENA does not offer seatback screens, Wi-Fi, or a streaming entertainment portal on its flights. Passengers are encouraged to download movies, music, podcasts, or reading material to their personal devices before departure. Given the scenic nature of many SATENA routes — flying over the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and Pacific coastline — the window views often provide a memorable experience in themselves.
SATENA provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or other special needs. Available services include:
Passengers requiring special assistance should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
To reschedule a SATENA flight booked through Traveloka:
Flexible fare types generally allow rescheduling with lower or waived fees, while promotional fares may have stricter conditions and higher change fees.
Refund eligibility depends on the ticket type purchased:
SATENA allows risk-free cancellation within the first 24 hours of purchase. Cancellations can be made up to 180 minutes (3 hours) before scheduled departure. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 10 working days for refundable fares. To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process, or contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for assistance.
Booking SATENA flights through Traveloka offers Malaysian travellers several advantages for planning trips to Colombia:
Use these proven strategies to secure the best fares when booking SATENA flights or connecting flights to Colombia on Traveloka:
Follow these simple steps to book your SATENA flight or connecting flight to Colombia on Traveloka:
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for reference at the airport. For multi-city itineraries involving SATENA domestic flights within Colombia, ensure you allow sufficient connection time between flights and check visa requirements for Colombia before travelling.
Berikut adalah langkah-langkah untuk menempah tiket SATENA secara dalam talian:
Pembayaran untuk tiket SATENA boleh dibuat melalui pemindahan bank dan kad kredit.
Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai kaedah pembayaran yang tersedia, sila lawati halaman Kaedah Pembayaran.
E-tiket SATENA berfungsi sebagai bukti tempahan anda untuk penerbangan SATENA. Tunjukkan e-tiket anda di kaunter SATENA semasa daftar masuk (sama ada di lapangan terbang atau dalam talian) untuk mendapatkan pas masuk anda. Jika anda tidak menerima e-tiket dalam masa 60 minit selepas pembayaran, sila hubungi Khidmat Pelanggan Traveloka dengan segera.
SATENA primarily operates domestic flights within Colombia, with durations varying by route. For example, Bogotá to Leticia takes approximately 2 hours, while Bogotá to Quibdó takes around 1 hour. Shorter routes such as Medellín to Apartadó take approximately 40 minutes. Check estimated flight times via Flight Status on Traveloka.
You can check your SATENA flight status directly on Traveloka via the Flight Status page to get real-time updates on departure times, delays, and gate information.


