United Airlines plans to grow its Colombian network with two new nonstop routes to Cartagena, connecting the coastal city with Houston and Washington D.C. The carrier announced the additions as part of its broader push into Latin American leisure destinations.

The new service will link Cartagena's Rafael Nunez International Airport with George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Washington Dulles International Airport. Both routes are scheduled to begin operating on December 17, 2026, pending government approval.

Route Details

Both the Houston to Cartagena flight as well as the Washington Dulles to Cartagena service will operate four times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays). United plans to use Boeing 737 aircraft on both routes.

With these additions, United will become the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service between Washington D.C. and Cartagena. The airline already flies to the Colombian city from Newark and Fort Lauderdale, and the new routes will give travelers more options to reach one of Colombia's most popular tourist destinations.

Expanding Latin America Footprint

The Cartagena announcement is part of United's broader strategy to add capacity in Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline has been steadily building out its network to leisure destinations, responding to demand from U.S. travelers looking for beach and cultural getaways.

Cartagena, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, draws visitors with its colonial old town, beaches, and growing reputation as a destination for weddings and conferences. The city has seen rising international tourist arrivals in recent years, prompting airlines to expand service.

For United, the Houston route fills a notable gap. The Texas hub serves as the carrier's gateway to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, but Cartagena has not been part of that map until now. Adding the city gives Houston-based travelers a direct path to the Colombian coast without connecting through Bogota or Miami.

What United Is Saying

Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, said the airline continues to identify destinations where customers want nonstop service. United has framed the Cartagena routes as part of a larger pattern of adding flights to sun destinations from its hubs.

The carrier has announced several international route expansions in recent months, including new services to other parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Executives have pointed to strong demand for international leisure travel as a driver behind the expansion.

Competition on the Route

Cartagena already sees service from several U.S. carriers. American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and Avianca all operate flights between the United States and Cartagena, with most service concentrated through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York area airports.

The Washington D.C. route stands out because no other U.S. airline currently offers nonstop service between the capital region and Cartagena. Travelers from the mid-Atlantic typically connect through Miami, New York, or Bogota to reach the city.

The Houston route will face less direct competition, though travelers from Texas have had options through connecting flights on multiple carriers. A nonstop service shortens travel time considerably and could attract both leisure passengers and business travelers with ties to Colombia.

Colombia Tourism Numbers

Colombia has worked to grow its international tourism in recent years, and Cartagena ranks among its top destinations. The city's airport handles a significant share of the country's international arrivals, with traffic growing each year as more carriers add service.

The Colombian government and tourism authorities have promoted the country as a safe, accessible destination for North American travelers. New air service from major U.S. cities supports those efforts and brings additional spending into the local economy.

What Comes Next

United said tickets for both routes will go on sale in the coming weeks. The airline will need final regulatory approvals from both U.S. and Colombian aviation authorities before the flights can begin. However, such approvals are typically routine for established carriers adding new routes.

Travelers booking the flights should expect standard United Economy, Economy Plus, and First Class options on the Boeing 737 aircraft assigned to the routes. Connecting service through Houston and Washington Dulles will give passengers from across United's network access to Cartagena.

The expansion adds to a busy period of route announcements for United as it positions itself for what it expects to be continued strong demand for international travel. Whether the new Cartagena flights perform well will depend on how many travelers choose the nonstop option over existing connecting alternatives, but the lack of competing direct service from Washington gives United a clear opening in that market.