Jose Maria Cordova International Airport – Code (MDE)

The Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Colombia, also known by its airport code MDE, is always in progress, much like its home city. The pandemic’s aftereffects are still being felt in the hub, but most of the operations and services that were shut during the outbreak have resumed now.

Let’s understand what facilities are open, what are new inclusions and how you make the most of MDE airport – 

Quick MDE Airport Info

• Airport – Jose Maria Cordova International Airport
• Terminals – 1
• Airport address – Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
• Distance from Downtown Colombia – Approximately  15.4  miles
• Phone number +57 4 4025110
• Passengers served on a daily basis – Approximately 2,000

Airlines operating from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

• Terminal 1 – Aeroméxico, Air Europa, Avianca, Avianca Costa Rica, Avior Airlines, Copa Airlines, EasyFly, EZAir, JetBlue, JetSmart, LATAM Colombia, LATAM Perú, SARPA, Spirit Airlines, Ultra Air and Wingo

MDE Airport Terminals

The rectangular Jose Maria Cordova International Airport is connected with I-678 and MDE Expressway and is merging on all ends to the 1 terminal through a spaghetti junction. 

Security and Customs at MDE

Jose Maria Cordova International Airport has separate security checkpoints for each of its five terminals. Passengers are advised to check-in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international departure.

Refer to the airport website for the boarding cut-off and security times. 

• TSA Pre Check – Each terminal at MDE has a dedicated TSA PreCheck facility. Passengers need to enrol online and need to pay an 85 USD service fee. The pRe Check counter is located at Terminal 4. 
• Global Entry kiosks – Passengers who have been accepted for Global Entry can use the kiosks at MDE for quicker clearance. Candidates must submit an online application and schedule an interview at the departure/arrival airport. MDE conducts Enrollment on Arrival at Terminals. The airport has a Global Entry Enrollment Centre at the baggage claim area of Terminal arrivals.
• Mobile Passport – For quicker passage by US Customs and Border, MDE has designated Mobile Passport Control lanes. A passport and the required information must be submitted by eligible participants upon arrival at MDE. In return, they will receive an instant receipt that may be shown to a Customs and border protection agent.

MDE Airport Lounge

There are in total 24 airport lounges in the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport that are airline and non-airlines operated. We have listed below the 5 independent business lounges that offer access to the non-frequent flyers members and passengers travelling with any airline. 

How to access MDE Airport Transportation?

Passengers arriving at or departing from MDE airport have access to a variety of transit choices, the majority of which are located outside of each terminal.

• Train – The Long Island Rail Road and the Colombia City Subway are connected to MDE Airport by the AirTrain MDE. The most affordable way to go from MDE to Manhattan or anywhere else in Colombia City is using this. All terminals are served by the AirTrain, which runs continuously. Although the AirTrain’s travel times vary from city to city, it is ideal to allow 90 minutes to go from MDE to midtown.

• Bus from MDE – Another excellent and cost-effective option is to take the fast bus from MDE airport into the city. The bus picks up passengers in Terminals 1, 4, and 8, and then puts them off to Times Square and Grand Central Station. This is a fantastic choice, but be aware that traffic in Colombia City can be unexpected. The trip could take longer than two hours if you enter the city during rush hour.

• MDE airport car service – Car services to and from MDE to different parts of the city and other airports are offered both privately and in groups. Reservations can be made at the Main Lobby of each terminal when arriving at the airport. Before making other travel arrangements, be careful to inquire about car services from your airport hotel or parking lot. 
• MDE airport taxi – A flat fare of $52 is charged by taxis from the airport to Downtown, and they are available outside of each terminal. On weekends, there is a surge fee of 4.50 USD for trips between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Best Places to Eat, Shop and Unwind at MDE

MDE airport features about 140 restaurants, pubs, and cafés between the terminals and pre-or post-security. Let’s delve into every terminal to understand what is the best option for you – ( terminals 1)

Additional services at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

Passengers get access to the following additional services at the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. 

• Travellers Aid – Travellers Aid desks can be found in all terminals of MDE. These can be found on the arrivals level at the Main Lobby.
• Children’s gaming zone – There’s a special children’s play area in Terminal 1 with a gladiator playground near gate 20.
• Baby facilities – Jose Maria Cordova International Airport has 6 nursing rooms. Three of them are located at Terminal.
• Pet relief centre – There’s a pet relief centre at each of the terminals. 
• Duty-free – The duty-free stores can be found at Termina.
• Smoking areas – The MDE airport does not host any indoor smoking zone. There are authorised smoking spots outside of the terminals.
• ATMs – Standalone ATMs are situated in Terminals. Other terminals have foreign currency ATMs. Currency exchange services are available at all terminals.
• Baggage counter – On the departure level of the Terminal, luggage wrapping services are available. In the arrivals area of Terminal, Meegan Services offers cloak room services. 
• MDE Airport WiFi access – At Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, Wi-Fi is available for free in all common spaces. Choose “Free unlimited wifi” and the network “_Free MDE WiFi” to connect. Call +57 4 4025110 to reach customer service around the clock.
• Lost and Found Counter at MDE Airport – Depending on where you lost your baggage, the MDE airport has a lost and found desk at the Terminal. You must get in touch with the respective airline’s baggage service if your checked luggage was left in the terminal, at the curb, or aboard an aircraft.

Contact TSA Lost and Found at +57 44025110 if you left something behind at a security checkpoint. The Port Authority Police can be reached at the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Building 269. Call +57 4 4025110 for assistance with any misplaced things outside of the terminal areas.

MDE Airport Parking

The Jose Maria Cordova International Airport has 6 parking areas. 5 of them are located outside the terminals and are best suited for a shorter duration. The AirTrain connects the terminals to Long Term Parking Lot 9. Visitors can check the parking availability at the airport website.  These 6 parking areas include – 

• Short duration parking – The Blue, Green, Red, Orange, and Yellow parking areas are where you can park near the terminal.

Parking lots Green, Orange, and Red cost 4 USD for the first half-hour, or 8 USD for the first hour. And, then 4 USD for each consecutive 30 minutes or up to a maximum of 35 USD for every 24 hours.

Blue and Yellow parking charges 5 for the first 30 minutes, or 10 USD for the next 30 minutes with 5 USD for every additional 30 minutes. It costs a maximum of 39 USD every 24 hours. 

• Long-term parking lot 9 – The main terminal building offers long-term parking.  The fee for the first 24 hours is 18 USD, and 6 USD for each subsequent 8 hours. 

Car Rentals at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

Visit one of the car rental desks at the arrivals level to rent a car at MDE, or call one of them at the given numbers below.  Federal Circle Station outside the Main Terminal building is where you’ll find rental cars.

MDE Airport Hotels

With 1 on-site property and additional hotels ranging at 1.4 miles from the terminals, MDE offers a variety of 2- to 4-star lodging options. To assist you in making your decision, we’ve provided each hotel’s address, its star rating, and its proximity to the airport.

Conclusion

Jose Maria Cordova International Airport is a prominent international airport serving the Colombian city area. It is conveniently close to hotels and various attractions.  MDE is home to 6 active airline terminals that are encircled by a double ring of auxiliary taxiways. The terminals are served by more than 125 airline gates. The airport is connected to Colombia City and beyond by the fast, light-rail AirTran service.

Due to the accessible AirTrain that connects Jose Maria Cordova International Airport to each terminal. Also, the rail network is also connected to the subway system and facilitates easy access to and from the airport.

Jose Maria Cordova International Airport – Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]