tech
May 4, 2026
The doubts that remain 'in the air' after the drone alerts that stopped El Dorado: whose responsibility is it
Industry sources confirm to Portafolio that more flights were affected than reported. Photo: PORTAFOLIO
TL;DR
- El Dorado airport experienced two drone incursions in less than 48 hours, causing operational suspensions.
- Aerocivil's role is to maintain operational safety and halt processes when potential threats are detected.
- A three-level protocol based on distance from the Aerodrome Reference Point (ARP) dictates the response to drone intrusions.
- High-risk intrusions (within 3.5 miles) require immediate suspension of all operations.
- Controllers are responsible for stopping operations and reporting intrusions to superiors and state forces.
- A unit within Aerocivil, staffed by Air Force personnel, is involved in drone detection and assessment.
- The airport is warned to be operating at its capacity limit, with demand sometimes exceeding supply during peak hours.
- Past studies have recommended measures to increase airport capacity, some of which remain unfulfilled.
- Additional security incidents involving a helicopter on the runway have also occurred in 2026.
- The possibility of deliberate drone operation is not ruled out, and regulations for drone use exist.