United Airlines will launch new nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport on December 17, 2026. Both routes will start with four weekly flights, marking United as the first U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Cartagena from these two hubs.
Flight Routes, Schedule, and Aircraft
The Houston-Cartagena and Washington Dulles-Cartagena routes will operate year-round with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the winter season. United’s Boeing 737 aircraft will serve both routes, featuring seatback entertainment screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Washington Dulles departure is scheduled for 8:20 a.m., arriving in Cartagena at 1:10
p.m., with the return flight leaving Cartagena at 4:00 p.m. and arriving in Washington Dulles at 8:40 p.m. The Houston flight leaves at 9:35 a.m. for a 2:50 p.m. arrival in Cartagena, with the return departing Cartagena at 2:20 p.m. to land in Houston at 5:45 p.m.
These schedules align with United’s domestic network connections at both hubs, enabling one-stop itineraries from over 70 U.S. cities. This will provide streamlined access to Cartagena without requiring multiple connections.
Cartagena’s Tourism Appeal
Cartagena stands out among Caribbean destinations for its colonial architecture, historic hotels, growing culinary scene, and proximity to islands like the Rosario Islands
and Barú Peninsula. The city offers visitors a mix of history, beaches, and nightlife concentrated in compact districts such as the Centro Histórico, San Diego, and Getsemaní.
Historic accommodations in Cartagena include Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena, Hotel Quadrifolio, and Casa Pestagua. The destination also features upscale resorts on the Barú Peninsula, like the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort and Hotel Las Islas.
Restaurants contributing to Cartagena’s rising food reputation include Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería, and Mar y Zielo. The combination of urban exploration and island excursions attracts
year-round visitors to the city.
United’s Network Strategy and Market Context
The new Cartagena flights extend United’s Colombia network beyond Bogotá and Medellín, marking Cartagena as its third destination in the country. Houston’s broad Latin America and Caribbean network connects 57 nonstop destinations, and Washington Dulles serves as a key Mid-Atlantic hub offering nonstop service to 18 Latin America and Caribbean cities.
United’s move reflects rising passenger demand and the airline’s commitment to expanding its Latin America routes. The year-round service contrasts with seasonal offerings by some competitors and supports diverse travel needs including holidays, festivals, and business travel.
The entry into the Cartagena market increases
competition with carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, potentially broadening itinerary options and fare flexibility for travelers.
Official Statement
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, 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 Cartagena offers travelers “a different side of the country” and makes a major Caribbean destination more accessible from North America.
Benefits for Travelers
Passengers traveling
from Houston and Washington, D.C. will gain convenient nonstop options to Cartagena starting in late 2026. The routes allow travelers from over 70 U.S. cities to reach Cartagena with only one connection through United’s hubs.
United’s Boeing 737 aircraft on these routes provide modern in-flight amenities such as seatback entertainment screens and Bluetooth headset connectivity. The direct flights also reduce the need to connect via traditional Caribbean gateways like Miami or Bogotá, adding convenience for travelers to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
