If you have a flight, Colombian Immigration recommends arriving at the airports well in advance due to the announcement of the "turtle plan."

Colombia's immigration authorities have issued a recommendation to travelers with flights scheduled for the country's airports following the unions' announcement of a possible "turtle plan" that would affect wait times in immigration lines.

Although the organization did not mention the union protests, it did appeal to travelers who have flights leaving the country: "As soon as possible when arriving at the airports."

"It's important to note that trip planning and timely arrival are key to a smooth and orderly experience. That's why it's critical for domestic and international travelers to arrive four hours early , in accordance with the recommendations of airlines and airport administrators," he said in a statement on May 8.

The authority assured that this way, travelers could avoid "setbacks" and "contribute to the smooth running of immigration procedures."

Bogotá's El Dorado Airport, Rionegro's José María Córdova Airport, and other airports with international flights could be affected by the protest announced by the Colombian Immigration Union.

The Colombian Migration Employees' Union (OSEMCO) declared a "state of alert" and accused the national government of failing to comply with agreements signed in recent months aimed at improving the conditions of immigration personnel working at airports.

"We realize that time is passing and that the people leading the processes have no intention of moving them forward or carrying them out with the diligence we require," said Yeison Mesa, national president of OSEMCO, in an interview with Citytv , from the EL TIEMPO publishing house.

He explained that union members have plastered international airports and Colombian Immigration facilities with posters. They are now seeking to escalate their actions, which would involve implementing the "tortoise plan" as early as May 9.

"We're not doing this because we want to upset others. We ask the general public, the Colombian people, to understand us," Mesa added.

In this regard, OSEMCO recommended that travelers "arrive a little earlier" at the airports, as the immigration process "will be much longer." However, it clarified that "officers will do their job properly."

In a statement, OSEMCO also highlighted "the tireless work of the Foreign Minister and the Director of Colombian Immigration" and said they will be attentive to a "definitive solution" to the problems.

The International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) reacted to the "turtle plan" that would begin on May 9 at Colombian airports and made these recommendations to travelers with international flights :

To check the status of a flight arriving at the capital's terminal, go to https://eldorado.aero/vuelos/llegadas . There, select the type of flight (domestic or international) and the date. The system will tell you whether it is on time, delayed, or canceled.

LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL