About SATENA
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.
Airline Overview and History
SATENA has a rich history spanning over 60 years of service to the Colombian people. Below are key milestones in the airline's development:
- 12 April 1962 — SATENA was established by presidential Decree 940, signed by President Alberto Lleras Camargo, to provide air transport to Colombia's remote national territories
- 1962 — Initial operations began with routes connecting Bogotá to Leticia and Leticia to Tarapacá, El Encanto, and Puerto Leguizamo in the Amazon region
- 1972 — The fleet was upgraded with British-built AVRO HS-748 turboprop aircraft, each capable of carrying 48 passengers
- 1984–1985 — Two Fokker F28 jet aircraft were incorporated into the fleet, expanding capacity to 65 passengers per aircraft
- 2002 — SATENA introduced its first Embraer ERJ 145, replacing the ageing Fokker F28 fleet
- 2004 — Two additional Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft joined the fleet, making SATENA one of the most modern regional fleets in Colombia at the time
- 2025 — Three new ATR 72-600 aircraft were incorporated into the fleet, each seating approximately 70 passengers, as part of a major modernisation drive
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.
Fleet and Aircraft
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:
- ATR 42-500 — Turboprop aircraft seating up to 46 passengers, commonly deployed on shorter domestic routes
- ATR 42-600 — Modern turboprop variant with improved avionics and fuel efficiency
- ATR 72-600 — Larger turboprop aircraft seating approximately 70 passengers, introduced in 2025 for higher-demand routes
- Embraer ERJ 145 — Regional jet seating 50 passengers, used on longer domestic routes and select international connections
- Beechcraft 1900D — 19-seat turboprop ideal for low-traffic routes to remote airstrips
- de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter — Rugged utility aircraft capable of landing on unpaved and short runways in Colombia's most remote regions
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.
Top Flight 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:
- Bogotá to Leticia — Connecting the capital to the heart of the Colombian Amazon, gateway to the tri-border area with Peru and Brazil
- Bogotá to Quibdó — Serving the capital of Chocó department on Colombia's Pacific coast
- Bogotá to Nuquí — A popular route for whale watching and ecotourism along the Pacific coast, launched in 2025
- Bogotá to Inírida — Connecting to the remote capital of Guainía department in eastern Colombia
- Bogotá to Puerto Carreño — Serving the Orinoco region near the Venezuelan border
- Medellín to Apartadó — Linking Antioquia's capital to the Urabá Gulf region
- Medellín to Quibdó — Connecting to the Pacific lowlands from western Colombia
- Bogotá to Florencia — Serving the capital of Caquetá department in southern Colombia
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.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding SATENA's baggage rules before you fly helps you pack wisely and avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 5 kg per passenger
- Maximum dimensions: 43 cm x 34 cm x 20 cm
- Personal item: One additional personal item is permitted, with dimensions not exceeding 15 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm
Checked Baggage
- Free allowance: 15 kg per passenger (included in the ticket price)
- Important note: The 15 kg weight limit is strictly enforced due to the operational requirements of the smaller turboprop aircraft used on many SATENA routes
- Excess baggage: Fees for excess baggage vary by route and can be purchased at the airport counter
Prohibited and Restricted Items
SATENA follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Dangerous goods, flammable liquids, explosives, and compressed gases are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Sharp objects such as knives, scissors exceeding 6 cm, and tools must be placed in checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Firearms and ammunition require prior written authorisation from the airline and relevant authorities
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all SATENA departure airports across Colombia. Recommended arrival times are:
- Passengers with checked baggage: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure to allow time for baggage processing and security screening
- Passengers with hand luggage only: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure
Counter staff will verify your identity, issue your boarding pass, and tag any checked baggage for loading.
Online Check-in
SATENA offers web check-in through its official website, available from 24 hours up to 2 hours before departure. To complete the process:
- Visit the SATENA web check-in page and enter your booking reference
- Confirm your passenger details and seat assignment
- Your boarding pass will be sent to your registered email address
- Print and present the boarding pass at the airport
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.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
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:
- ATR 42-500/600: Approximately 46 seats in a 2-2 configuration
- ATR 72-600: Approximately 70 seats in a 2-2 configuration
- Embraer ERJ 145: Approximately 50 seats in a 1-2 configuration
- Beechcraft 1900D: 19 seats in a 1-1 configuration
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
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.
In-Flight Entertainment
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.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 or older, require their own seat and ticket
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare. Only one infant per accompanying adult is permitted
- Required documents: Valid identification such as a birth certificate, identity card, or passport is required for all child and infant passengers
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers in early to mid stages of pregnancy may fly without restriction
- Passengers beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy should carry a medical fitness-to-fly certificate issued within 15 days of travel
- It is strongly recommended that pregnant travellers consult their healthcare provider before booking any flight
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
SATENA provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or other special needs. Available services include:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
- Priority seating arrangements closer to the aircraft exit
- Assistance from trained cabin crew during the flight
Passengers requiring special assistance should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children under 5 years must always travel with an accompanying adult
- Children aged 5 to 12 years may be eligible for the unaccompanied minor service, subject to route and availability
- Parents or guardians must complete the required documentation and ensure a designated responsible adult is present at both the departure and arrival airports
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a SATENA flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Flexible fare types generally allow rescheduling with lower or waived fees, while promotional fares may have stricter conditions and higher change fees.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on the ticket type purchased:
- Flexible fares: Usually fully refundable if cancelled within the policy's timeframe
- Standard fares: A cancellation fee may be deducted from the refund amount
- Promotional fares: Typically non-refundable; cancellation may result in the loss of the entire ticket cost or conversion to travel credit
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.
Why Book SATENA Flights on Traveloka
Booking SATENA flights through Traveloka offers Malaysian travellers several advantages for planning trips to Colombia:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares for SATENA and connecting flights to Colombia
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the best itinerary
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay
- Instalment plans — Split your ticket cost into manageable monthly payments
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available around the clock for any booking issues or travel queries
- All-in-one platform — Book flights, hotels, airport transfers, and travel insurance in a single transaction for a seamless trip-planning experience
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to secure the best fares when booking SATENA flights or connecting flights to Colombia on Traveloka:
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, so booking several weeks in advance can save you significant money
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and find the most affordable options
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer lower fares compared to weekends and Monday departures
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, seasonal offers, and exclusive promo codes
- Travel during off-peak seasons — Avoid peak travel periods such as school holidays, Christmas, and Colombian public holidays for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional bundle discounts
- Choose basic fares — Select a light fare without add-ons if travelling with minimal baggage to keep costs down
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your SATENA flight or connecting flight to Colombia on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city and destination (for example, Kuala Lumpur to Bogotá), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights and connecting itineraries for your route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or total duration and select your preferred flight option
- Enter passenger details for each traveller — full name (as shown on passport), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance for your journey
- Review your complete booking summary including total fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or e-wallet — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app, and you are ready to fly
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.