Authorities in Norte de Santander have suspended flights, imposed curfews, and canceled public fairs following a serious public-order crisis in the region [1, 2, 3].

These measures highlight the deteriorating security situation in the Catatumbo region, where escalating violence threatens civilian safety and critical infrastructure. The instability disrupts essential transportation and local economic activity in several municipalities.

The state airline Satena suspended flight operations within the Norte de Santander department in early 2026 [3]. This decision followed a spike in security threats and public disorder that compromised the safety of air travel in the area.

In the municipality of Labateca, authorities declared a state of emergency to manage the volatility. This led to the imposition of a curfew on May 10, 11, and 12, 2026 [1]. The restrictions were designed to curb the violence resulting from clashes involving the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN [1, 3].

Similarly, the municipal administration of Teorama suspended local fairs in January 2026 [2]. Officials said the decision was necessary due to the public-order situation affecting the municipality.

The crisis has been particularly acute in the Catatumbo region, impacting municipalities including Labateca, Teorama, El Carmen, and Tibú [1, 2, 3]. While some reports indicated that the electoral day on March 8, 2026, proceeded without alterations to public order, other reports from the same period detailed a grave and systemic crisis across the department [3].

Security forces continue to monitor the region as the ELN and other armed groups maintain a presence in the border territories. The combination of flight cancellations and movement restrictions has isolated several communities from the rest of the department [1, 3].

“The state airline Satena suspended flight operations within the Norte de Santander department in early 2026.”

The suspension of commercial flights and the implementation of curfews indicate a shift from localized skirmishes to a systemic security failure in Norte de Santander. By disrupting the Catatumbo region's connectivity and commerce, the ongoing conflict with the ELN is creating a humanitarian and economic vacuum that complicates state governance in the border territories.