The Government of Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, has deployed the country’s presidential aircraft to facilitate the return of Colombian citizens arriving in the country via deportation flights from the US.
On January 26, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to immediately impose 25% customs duties on imports from Colombia after the country initially refused to welcome two C-17 military transport aircraft carrying Colombian nationals expelled from the United States.
Earlier that day, President Gustavo Petro had revoked the diplomatic transport authorization granted by his government, forcing the USAF aircraft to reroute to Honduras. However, Trump eventually suspended his threats in a statement retweeted by his Colombian counterpart.
“The Government of Colombia has agreed to all of President Trump’s terms,” the White House statement read. “Tariffs and sanctions will be held in reserve, and not signed, unless Colombia fails to honor this agreement.”
The US sanctions package also included a ban on entry into the United States and visa revocation for Colombian government officials, and “enhanced entry inspections” for all Colombian nationals and goods coming from Colombia were applied. These measures will remain in effect until Colombia accepts the first deportation flight.
The presidential aircraft of Colombia is a Boeing 737-700 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) registered FAC-0001 and operated by the Colombian Air Force. It features a VIP cabin and has a capacity for 54 passengers. The aircraft entered service in July 2006.