economy
May 9, 2026
How Does Colombia Move? Balance of Air and Land Passenger and Freight Transport
Cibest Group's analysis highlights that land transport moved nearly 152 million tons. Photo: CANVA
TL;DR
- The transport sector contributed 4.7% to Colombia's GDP in 2025, with land transport accounting for 3.1%.
- Land transport moved 152 million tons of solid cargo and 9,879 million gallons of liquid cargo in 2025.
- Air transport recovered, moving 62 million passengers in 2025 with high occupancy rates.
- The port system stabilized around 174.5 million tons in 2025, but saw a significant drop in March 2026.
- Transport represents 45% of Colombia's total logistics cost, up from 31% in 2020.
- Total logistics costs as a percentage of sales are higher than in developed economies and the Latin American average.
- Rising fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, road blockages, and infrastructure limitations increase operational costs and reduce competitiveness.
- In 2025, 45.2% of land transport costs were fixed costs and tolls, with 40.2% for fuels.
- The port system saw a shift in cargo mix, with coal decreasing and containers increasing.
- Colombia's overall logistics performance score is 2.9 out of 5, indicating systemic challenges.