United Airlines will commence year-round nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia, from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Washington Dulles International Airport starting December 17, 2026. Each route will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, using Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with seatback entertainment screens and Bluetooth connectivity. This launch makes United the first U.S. carrier to offer direct flights to Cartagena from both Houston and the Washington, D.C. area hubs.
Flight schedules from two major U.S. airports
The Houston to Cartagena service will depart Houston at 9:35 a.m. with arrivals in Cartagena at 2:50 p.m. Return flights leave Cartagena at 2:20 p.m., landing
in Houston at 5:45 p.m. The Washington Dulles route departs at 8:20 a.m., arriving in Cartagena at 1:10 p.m., with return service departing at 4:00 p.m. and arriving at Washington Dulles at 8:40 p.m. These flight times are designed to connect passengers to United’s extensive domestic network from both hubs.
Cartagena’s growth as a Caribbean destination
Cartagena is one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, combining colonial architecture, beaches, restaurants, rooftop bars, and nearby island excursions. Visitors can explore the historic walled old city, dine at acclaimed venues including Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería, and Mar y Zielo, and visit the Rosario Islands or Barú Peninsula.
Luxury accommodations such as the Four Seasons, Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, and Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa contribute to the city’s rising appeal.
United Airlines’ Colombia network expansion
United currently serves two Colombian cities, Bogotá and Medellín, making Cartagena its third destination in the country. United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, Patrick Quayle, stated, “Colombia has been an important part of United’s Latin America network for more than 30 years, and our new service to Cartagena reflects our continued investment in the country and commitment to offering customers new and distinct travel experiences.” The new routes offer a
direct link to Cartagena from two of United’s largest U.S. hubs, broadening access to the Colombian Caribbean.
Traveler benefits and aircraft features
The new nonstop flights allow travelers from over 70 U.S. cities to reach Cartagena via connections through Houston and Washington Dulles. United’s Boeing 737 aircraft on these routes feature larger overhead bins to accommodate one standard roll-aboard bag per passenger, seatback entertainment screens, and Bluetooth connectivity. The airline plans to phase in Starlink internet on its fleet, providing free Wi-Fi access for MileagePlus members on equipped planes.
Competitive landscape and travel convenience
United’s flights join existing service to Cartagena by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit
Airlines. The addition of nonstop flights from Houston and Washington Dulles introduces more competition and itinerary options for travelers. These routes offer convenient day arrival times, enabling passengers to enjoy Cartagena’s historic city center and attractions upon arrival. United’s Houston hub also offers nonstop flights to 57 Latin America and Caribbean destinations, while Washington Dulles serves 18 routes in the region, enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Cartagena.
