politics
April 11, 2026
Airports in Santander Reopened Amidst Chaos Due to Impressive Cadastral Valuation Increase
The department of Santander faces its second day of total strike with blockades at 16 points, virtually isolating the region by land and air.
TL;DR
- Santander is under total strike for the second day, with 16 blockades isolating the region.
- Protests are against cadastral valuation increases that have raised property taxes by up to 3,000%.
- The Palo Negro international airport suspended operations, stranding hundreds, though Bucaramanga airport is functioning normally.
- The bus terminal is also paralyzed, with no buses departing or entering the department.
- Major routes to the coast, Antioquia, Bogotá, and Cúcuta are blocked.
- Travelers are expressing desperation over missed flights, cruises, and important appointments.
- Protesters are demanding a participatory table to readjust cadastral valuations.
- Some properties have seen their valuations increase from $111 million to $347 million, and some owners face 4,000% increases.
- Authorities are seeking to establish intermittent passage through blockades and continue negotiations.