politics
May 8, 2026
Deciding Before Tragedy: The Cost of Ignoring Risk in Colombia
By Luis Fernando Álvarez Jaramillo - [email protected]
TL;DR
- Tragedies in Colombia are rarely unforeseen and are often preceded by technical reports and institutional warnings.
- The Procuraduría has warned of a potential "systemic risk" in Colombian air transport due to obsolete infrastructure, faulty equipment, communication issues, and overworked air traffic controllers.
- The Aeronáutica Civil (Aerocivil) has not yet responded to these warnings, possibly awaiting presidential authorization.
- The Procuraduría is considering disciplinary action against the director and other officials of Aerocivil.
- State diligence requires preventing foreseeable harm, not just reacting to it, which often involves uncomfortable decisions and resource reallocation.
- Inaction may be more comfortable in the short term but transfers risk to the future.
- True institutional maturity lies in anticipating problems and acting proactively, even with incomplete information.
- The greatest risk is knowing about problems and failing to act in time.