United Airlines will begin year-round nonstop service to Cartagena, Colombia, launching flights from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport on December 17, 2026. Each route will operate four times weekly during the winter season on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, making United the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop flights to Cartagena from both hubs.
Flight schedules and aircraft details
The new flights will utilize Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with seatback entertainment screens and Bluetooth connectivity for passengers’ personal headphones. The planes will also feature larger overhead bins to accommodate one standard roll-aboard bag per traveler. United plans to offer free
Wi-Fi to MileagePlus members as it continues to deploy Starlink internet on aircraft servicing these routes.
Departure and arrival times for Houston and Washington Dulles routes
The Houston route departs George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 9:35 a.m., arriving in Cartagena at 2:50 p.m. Return flights leave Cartagena at 2:20 p.m. and arrive in Houston at 5:45 p.m. Meanwhile, flights from Washington Dulles International Airport start at 8:20 a.m., landing in Cartagena at 1:10 p.m. The return leg departs Cartagena at 4:00 p.m. and reaches Washington Dulles by 8:40 p.m. These schedules are designed to provide convenient connections to over 70 U.S. cities via United’s large domestic networks at both hubs.
Cartagena’s growing appeal and tourism offerings
Cartagena has emerged as a sought-after Caribbean destination known for its colonial architecture, vibrant restaurant scene, rooftop bars, and proximity to the Rosario Islands. The historic walled city offers visitors the chance to explore preserved fortifications, restored mansions turned boutique hotels, and plazas filled with cafés and bars. The nearby Rosario Islands, accessible by boat, provide visitors with coral reefs, private villas, boutique hotels, and beach clubs, enhancing Cartagena’s mix of cultural and beach tourism.
United’s Colombia network expansion and connectivity
Adding Cartagena to its route map marks United’s third Colombian destination after Bogotá and Medellín. United currently operates nonstop service to 57 destinations in Latin
America and the Caribbean from Houston and serves 18 destinations nonstop from Washington Dulles. The new routes improve accessibility to Cartagena with one-stop connections from cities across the United States, facilitating seamless travel into this Caribbean hotspot.
Official statement from United Airlines
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, commented, “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.” Quayle described Cartagena as offering “a different side of the country”
while making a top Caribbean destination easier to reach from North America.
Traveler benefits and year-round service
The flights provide year-round nonstop connectivity from two major U.S. hubs, giving travelers direct access to Cartagena on morning departures and afternoon arrivals ideal for same-day hotel check-ins and exploration. The Houston route links Cartagena to one of the most comprehensive southbound Latin America and Caribbean networks in the U.S., while the Washington Dulles route opens a direct connection for the Mid-Atlantic region to the Colombian Caribbean without the need for traditional connecting points such as Miami or Bogotá.
Accommodation options and destination status
Cartagena’s hotel offerings include historic properties like Casa San
Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, and Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, all located within the old city. The destination also features newer upscale stays such as the Four Seasons, which opened earlier in 2026. Outside the historic center, resorts on Barú and islands like the Rosario Islands add to Cartagena’s evolving appeal for beach and luxury travelers alike.
Competitive landscape in U.S.-Caribbean air travel
United’s entrance into Cartagena increases competition in the U.S.-Colombian Caribbean market, joining established carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. The airline’s service is positioned to provide broader itinerary choices and simplify travel routes for passengers seeking
direct access to Cartagena from two major U.S. gateways year-round.
