Barranquilla, Colombia – An Avianca flight traveling from Bogotá to New York City was forced to build an emergency landing at the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026, due to a medical emergency involving a passenger. The incident prompted the flight crew to activate an emergency alert, prioritizing the aircraft’s descent, and landing.
Flight 244, en route to New York, signaled a general emergency, utilizing alert code 7700, the internationally recognized transponder code indicating a situation requiring immediate attention. According to reports, the decision to divert the flight was made after a passenger required urgent medical assistance during the journey. The quick thinking of the crew and air traffic control ensured a safe landing and prompt medical attention for the individual.
The aircraft touched down at approximately 7:40 p.m. Local time, as confirmed by El Tiempo. Upon landing, medical personnel were immediately available to provide care to the passenger in need. Avianca has not yet issued an official statement regarding the specifics of the medical situation, but sources within the company confirmed that established protocols were activated as soon as the passenger’s condition was reported.
Passengers aboard the flight were not affected by the emergency, and the airline confirmed that the flight would continue its journey to New York after addressing the situation in Barranquilla. The incident highlights the importance of swift and coordinated responses to medical emergencies during air travel, ensuring the safety and well-being of all those on board.
This emergency landing comes just days after a separate incident at the Barranquilla airport, where a minor briefly entered the airfield on March 4, 2026, prompting a response from airport fire personnel, as reported by Semana. Although unrelated to the Avianca flight diversion, it underscores the ongoing focus on safety and security at the Ernesto Cortissoz airport.
The Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is currently undergoing renovations, aiming to improve its infrastructure and capacity to handle increasing passenger traffic. The airport serves as a key transportation hub for the Barranquilla region and is preparing to host its tenth marathon, expecting over 10,000 runners and awarding $135 million in prizes.
Avianca continues to operate flights to Barranquilla, with fares available for purchase on their website: Avianca Flights to Barranquilla. The airline is committed to providing safe and reliable air travel for its passengers.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as they become available. The focus remains on ensuring the continued safety and smooth operation of flights in and out of Barranquilla.
What comes next is the full assessment of the passenger’s condition and the completion of any necessary investigations into the incident. The airline will likely conduct a review of its procedures to ensure optimal response capabilities in similar situations. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they are confirmed.
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