In the midst of record numbers of migrants entering the United States through the southern border, the migration crisis is also unfolding in unexpected places. Thousands of African migrants have been arriving daily at Colombia’s main international airport, paying traffickers around $10,000 for flight packages in hopes of reaching the U.S.
This surge of African migrants in Bogotá’s airport, which began last year, is a stark illustration of the impact of one of the largest global movements of people in decades and how it is reshaping migration patterns. With economic and political turmoil in many African countries and Europe tightening its immigration policies, more Africans are making the arduous journey to the U.S.
The migrants in Bogotá hail mainly from West African countries such as Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, but also include individuals from as far east as Somalia. Their ultimate destination is Nicaragua, the only country in Central America that allows entry without a visa for citizens from many African nations, as well as from Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela. This entry policy was reportedly relaxed by Nicaragua’s president, Daniel Ortega, in an attempt to pressure the U.S. to lift sanctions on his government.
To reach Nicaragua, migrants embark on a complex journey involving multiple stops, including flights from hubs like Istanbul to Colombia, then on to El Salvador before reaching their final destination. This route, known as “the luxury route” by airline employees, bypasses the perilous Darién Gap in the jungle that connects South and North America.
Last year, Mexican authorities reported a significant increase in the number of Africans entering Mexico on their way to the U.S., highlighting the growing trend of using alternative routes to reach their desired destination. Despite fluctuations in overall crossings at the southern border, the influx of African migrants through unconventional pathways continues to rise.
The airport in Bogotá has become a temporary home for many migrants, with some facing challenges such as lengthy layovers, lack of funds to pay transit fees, and limited access to basic necessities like food and water. While flying may be a safer option compared to other methods of travel, the conditions at the airport are far from ideal for those awaiting their next flight.
Despite the hardships faced by migrants in transit, many remain determined to reach their final destination in the U.S. Educated professionals like journalists and former police officers are among those seeking refuge in the face of political instability and conflict in their home countries.
As authorities crack down on irregularities at the airport and airlines face scrutiny for their handling of migrant passengers, the plight of African migrants stranded in transit continues to shed light on the complexities of global migration and the challenges faced by those seeking a better life.