United Airlines will introduce new year-round nonstop service to Cartagena, Colombia, from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport starting December 17, 2026. The airline will operate four weekly flights per route during the winter season, making it the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop connectivity between Cartagena and both Houston and the Washington, D.C. area.
Flight Schedules, Aircraft, and Hub Connections
Flights on the Houston-Cartagena route will depart Houston at 9:35 a.m., arriving in Cartagena at 2:50 p.m., with return flights leaving Cartagena at 2:20 p.m. and landing in Houston at 5:45 p.m. The Washington Dulles-Cartagena service will depart Washington at 8:20
a.m. and arrive at 1:10 p.m., while the return flight departs Cartagena at 4:00 p.m. and arrives at Washington Dulles at 8:40 p.m.
United will operate these routes using Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with seatback entertainment and Bluetooth audio connectivity. The aircraft feature larger overhead bins designed to hold one standard roll-aboard bag per passenger. United plans to introduce free Wi-Fi through Starlink internet to MileagePlus members as the aircraft enter service.
The schedules enable passengers to connect through United’s Houston or Washington Dulles hubs to over 70 U.S. cities with one-stop itineraries. United’s Houston hub currently offers nonstop flights
to 57 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean, while Washington Dulles serves as the airline’s primary Mid-Atlantic connecting hub with nonstop service to 18 Latin American and Caribbean cities. Combined, the new routes will add eight weekly Cartagena flights during the winter season.
Cartagena’s Growing Appeal and Tourist Offerings
Cartagena ranks as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean. Its appeal includes colonial architecture, historic hotels, and a vibrant culinary scene featuring restaurants such as Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería, and Mar y Zielo. Visitors frequently explore the walled old city neighborhoods of Centro Histórico, San Diego, and Getsemaní, known for their compact walkability
and cultural sites like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
Nearby island excursions to the Rosario Islands and Barú Peninsula offer white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Upscale accommodations outside the historic center include Hotel Las Islas, Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort, and Casa San Agustín’s ACASĪ Experience. Cartagena’s hospitality also features historic hotels such as Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena, Hotel Quadrifolio, and Casa Pestagua.
United Airlines’ Regional Network and Market Competition
United’s Colombia network has spanned over 30 years, currently including nonstop flights to Bogotá and Medellín. Cartagena becomes its third Colombian city served nonstop from
the United States. The addition complements United’s deep Latin America network, leveraging Houston’s broad southbound connections and Washington Dulles’ Mid-Atlantic reach.
These new routes introduce greater competition to the U.S.-Cartagena market, which also sees service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines depending on the season and gateway. This increased competition is expected to expand travel options for U.S. customers bound for Cartagena and provide connectivity improvements across multiple American cities.
Official Statement and Traveler Benefits
Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of network planning and global alliances at United Airlines, said, “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.” He added that the service offers travelers “a different side of the country.”
Passengers will benefit from direct nonstop flights saving travel time to Cartagena, with year-round availability beyond the traditional high season. The routes provide standard amenities including seatback entertainment with Bluetooth headphone connectivity and planned free Wi-Fi access. The flights operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the winter.
Accommodation and Tourism Context
Cartagena’s hotel market combines historic urban properties
and resort options on nearby islands and peninsulas. The Rosario Islands offer boutique hotels, private villas, and beach clubs accessible via boat from Cartagena. The Barú Peninsula includes Playa Blanca, a popular beach destination with day visitor access and private clubs.
This expanded flight connectivity allows travelers to combine stays in Cartagena’s historic old city with visits to island resorts and beach areas, enhancing itineraries with cultural, culinary, and seaside experiences. The new service may also support broader Colombian travel plans, as Cartagena connects by domestic flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and other cities.
