United Airlines announced it will start year-round nonstop service to Cartagena, Colombia from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Washington Dulles International Airport beginning December 17, 2026. Both routes will operate four times weekly during the initial winter schedule.
Flights will use Boeing 737 aircraft with departures from Washington Dulles to Cartagena at 8:20 a.m. arriving at 1:10 p.m., returning at 4:00 p.m. and landing back at Dulles at 8:40 p.m. From Houston, the outbound flight leaves at 9:35 a.m. arriving 2:50 p.m. in Cartagena, while the return departs at 2:20 p.m. landing at 5:45 p.m. Service operates on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Expanded Connectivity through United’s U.S. Hubs
These new routes provide direct links to United’s two largest hubs, connecting Cartagena to more than 70 U.S. cities via one-stop itineraries. Washington Dulles serves as United’s primary Mid-Atlantic hub with nonstop flights to 18 Latin America and Caribbean destinations, while Houston offers nonstop service to 57 Latin American and Caribbean cities, covering major U.S. centers from the Northeast and Midwest to the West Coast.
Cartagena’s Growing Appeal and Tourism Highlights
Cartagena is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean destinations, combining colonial architecture, beaches, nightlife, and island excursions. Its historic old city hosts landmarks like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and features
boutique hotels including Casa San Agustín and the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, housed in a 17th-century convent. The city’s culinary scene boasts acclaimed establishments such as Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería, and Mar y Zielo.
Recent hotel developments include the Four Seasons Cartagena and luxury beachfront properties on the Barú Peninsula and Rosario Islands, like Hotel Las Islas and Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort, expanding upscale accommodations near the city.
Aircraft and Services on United’s New Cartagena Routes
The new flights will feature Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with seatback entertainment screens and Bluetooth connectivity at every seat, allowing passengers to connect personal headphones directly. Overhead bin space
has been increased to fit one standard roll-aboard bag per passenger. United is also introducing Starlink Wi-Fi, with plans to offer free internet access to MileagePlus members as aircraft are equipped.
United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, Patrick Quayle, stated the airline’s long-term commitment to Colombia, emphasizing that new service to Cartagena offers customers distinct travel experiences and easier access to the Colombian Caribbean.
United’s Colombia Network and Route Strategy
Adding Cartagena makes it United’s third Colombian destination alongside Bogotá and Medellín. The airline has maintained a presence in Colombia for over 30 years and aims to meet demand with year-round flights,
not restricted to the Caribbean’s winter season. This approach supports travelers visiting Cartagena for holidays, conferences, festivals, and leisure trips throughout the year.
Passenger Benefits and Expanded Travel Options
Travelers from over 70 U.S. cities will gain improved access to Cartagena through convenient one-stop connections at Houston and Washington Dulles. The nonstop flights reduce the need for connections via cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Bogotá. The schedules are designed to integrate seamlessly with United’s broader domestic networks, enhancing reach from the Northeast, Midwest, Mountain West, and West Coast.
Competitive Market and Broadened Itineraries
The new United Airlines routes join existing nonstop service to Cartagena from American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and
Spirit Airlines. Increased competition is likely to expand itinerary options and offer competitive fares. Cartagena’s growing profile among American travelers is supported by new direct flights, hotels, and dining experiences that make it a more accessible Caribbean destination.
