Protests Erupt in Cartagena Over Airport Expansion Project

The vibrant city of Cartagena is currently witnessing a surge of public discontent as residents of the Crespo neighborhood and surrounding areas are staging protests against the ongoing expansion of the Rafael Núñez International Airport. According to El Tiempo (2024), the demonstrations, which began early this morning, are a direct response to the airport’s expansion project initiated by the terminal’s concessionaire, OINAC. The primary concern revolves around the potential adverse effects on local communities and their livelihoods.

Community Concerns and Grievances

Frank Sanchéz, a prominent leader of the airport taxi drivers, voiced the frustrations of many during an interview with El Tiempo. «For a year, we have been treated with disrespect. Agreements made in working sessions are being ignored, and our petitions and legal protections are being disregarded. We don't know who is behind these decisions, who feels they have the power to trample the dignity, labor rights, and honesty of the people working at the airport,» he stated (J. Montaño, 2024). The sentiment is echoed by numerous residents who feel marginalized by the project's implementation.

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Arnold Gómez, a resident of Crespo, highlights the broader impact of the concession on the community. «OINAC arrived a year ago and has trampled on everyone, disregarding the rights of more than 500 families,» he claims (J. Montaño, 2024). This disregard for community welfare is a central theme of the protests, with residents fearing displacement and loss of economic opportunities.

Specific Grievances

The protesters' concerns are multifaceted, touching on several key areas:

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  • Job Security: Many locals fear that the expansion will lead to job losses for those employed in and around the airport, including taxi drivers, baggage handlers, and other service providers.
  • Housing Stability: There are reports of forced evictions of residents whose homes were legally purchased, raising questions about the fairness and legality of the process.
  • Environmental Impact: Residents are worried about the potential environmental consequences, such as increased noise and air pollution, as well as the contamination of nearby water bodies.

Protest Actions and Demands

The protests began at 8:00 a.m. at a gas station near the entrance to Crespo, from where the demonstrators marched to the airport. Currently, they are holding a sit-in to pressure authorities to address their concerns. Alberto Sampayo, a leader of the protest and fiscal of the Community Action Board of Crespo, emphasized that the march aims to demand respect for the labor rights of those who depend on the airport’s activity and to reject the forced evictions (J. Montaño, 2024).

Sampayo also pointed out that while the community is not opposed to improvements at the airport, they believe the expansion should be internal and not negatively impact the community. He argues that a more viable solution would be the construction of a new airport in Bayunca, which would accommodate growing passenger demand without displacing or disrupting existing communities (J. Montaño, 2024).

OINAC’s Response

In response to the protests, OINAC, the concessionaire operating the airport, has issued a statement affirming its commitment to transparency, dialogue, and sustainable development. According to El Tiempo (2024), OINAC claims to have conducted all required socializations under the concession contract, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with existing regulations. OINAC also stated that while some obligations fall outside their concession scope and are the responsibility of local and national entities, they are committed to working collaboratively to ensure all necessary requirements are met (J. Montaño, 2024).

The Airport Expansion Project

The Rafael Núñez International Airport is poised for a significant transformation, including the construction of a new 17,360-square-meter international terminal and the remodeling of 2,814 square meters of the existing terminal, according to the Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura (ANI). The project, divided into 22 interventions, aims to modernize and optimize this vital infrastructure for the region. The commercial platform will be expanded by 15,740 square meters, bringing the total to 99,770 square meters. Additionally, 11,683 square meters of parking space will be developed, increasing capacity to 330 vehicles, and a parallel runway will be constructed to improve airport operations (J. Montaño, 2024).

Looking Ahead

The situation remains tense as protesters continue their sit-in, awaiting a response from authorities. The outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Cartagena and throughout Colombia. The key will be whether a balance can be struck between economic development and the protection of community rights and environmental sustainability.

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