United Airlines will operate new 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 a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Flight schedules and aircraft details
Flights on the Houston-Cartagena route will depart Houston at 9:35 a.m. and arrive in Cartagena at 2:50 p.m. Return flights leave Cartagena at 2:20 p.m. to reach Houston at 5:45 p.m. The Washington Dulles-Cartagena flight departs Washington at 8:20 a.m., landing in Cartagena at 1:10 p.m., with return flights leaving Cartagena at 4 p.m. and arriving back at Washington Dulles
at 8:40 p.m. United will use Boeing 737 aircraft for both routes.
These schedules align with United’s larger domestic network at both hubs, providing connections to Cartagena from more than 70 U.S. cities with just one stop. United serves 57 nonstop destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston and 18 from Washington Dulles.
Expansion of United’s Colombian network
Cartagena will become United Airlines’ third destination in Colombia, joining Bogotá and Medellín. The airline has operated in Colombia for over 30 years, aiming to offer new travel options and expand access to the market.
Aircraft amenities and passenger experience
The Boeing 737 jets deployed on these new flights will
include seatback entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones, and larger overhead bins designed to hold one standard carry-on bag per passenger. United is in the process of installing Starlink internet on its fleet, planning to offer free Wi-Fi to MileagePlus members as aircraft are equipped.
Cartagena’s appeal and hospitality offerings
Cartagena is a fast-growing Caribbean destination known for its colonial architecture, beaches, culinary scene, and nearby islands such as the Rosario Islands and Barú Peninsula. Notable hotels include Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena, Hotel Quadrifolio, and Casa Pestagua.
The local food scene features
restaurants like Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería, and Mar y Zielo, enhancing the city’s profile as a significant regional culinary hub.
Benefits for travelers and network connectivity
These nonstop flights remove the need for connections through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Panama City, or Bogotá for travelers from Houston and the Washington, D.C. area. The year-round schedule supports travel demand beyond the typical winter Caribbean season, providing options for festivals, weddings, conferences, and leisure trips throughout the year.
Connective flight times enable travelers from various U.S. cities to reach Cartagena with ease via United’s hubs. The service increases direct access to the Colombian Caribbean and facilitates seamless
one-stop itineraries.
Official statement and strategic rationale
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, 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.” He noted that Cartagena provides “a different side of the country” and makes a popular Caribbean destination more accessible from North America.
Competition and regional tourism context
United’s entry on routes to Cartagena adds competition to existing service offered by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. The new
nonstop options enhance traveler choice and flexibility.
Cartagena’s combination of historic hotels, beaches, culinary venues, and island excursions has made it one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destinations. United’s expansion aligns with growing demand for year-round travel to this Colombian city.
