Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport (TLU)

Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport (IATA: TLU, ICAO: SKTL) is the primary air gateway serving Santiago de Tolú and the wider Gulf of Morrosquillo region in Colombia's Sucre department. Its main role is to facilitate tourism to popular coastal destinations like Tolú, Coveñas, and the idyllic San Bernardo Islands, including Múcura and Tintipán. The airport provides a crucial link for travelers seeking direct access to this Caribbean paradise, significantly reducing travel time compared to overland routes from larger cities.

Inaugurated in its modern form in 2018, the airport represents a significant upgrade from the previous, more basic airstrip. This development was a key part of an initiative to bolster tourism and infrastructure in the region, replacing the old terminal with a contemporary and more efficient facility capable of handling increased passenger traffic. The airport is located approximately three kilometers southeast of the main town square of Santiago de Tolú. Due to the short distance, access is straightforward. Travelers typically use local taxis or mototaxis, which are readily available outside the terminal, for the quick five-to-ten-minute journey into town or to the marina.

Operations at Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport are exclusively domestic. It primarily handles scheduled commercial flights from major Colombian hubs like Bogotá and Medellín. Key airlines operating routes to TLU include SATENA, Avianca, and Clic Air. The flight volume is modest and often seasonal, with more frequent services during peak holiday periods. The airport does not handle international flights and serves a focused, tourism-driven passenger base.

The facility itself is a modern, single-story terminal designed for functionality and efficiency. As a small regional airport, its amenities are compact and essential. Travelers will find check-in counters, a single security checkpoint, and a main departure lounge with seating. There is a small café offering snacks and beverages, as well as basic restroom facilities. The airport does not have VIP lounges, extensive retail stores, or a wide variety of dining options.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Upon arrival, it is practical to have Colombian pesos on hand for taxis or mototaxis, and it is common practice to confirm the fare before starting the journey. The most important tip for visitors heading to the San Bernardo Islands is to coordinate their flight arrival with boat departure times from the Tolú marina (muelle). The airport serves as the first leg of the journey, with the subsequent boat transfer being the essential final connection to the islands.