United Airlines announced it will launch year-round nonstop service 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 during the winter season.
The new flights will use Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with seatback entertainment and Bluetooth connectivity. Departures from Washington Dulles are scheduled at 8:20 a.m. arriving Cartagena at 1:10 p.m., with return flights leaving Cartagena at 4:00 p.m. and arriving in Washington at 8:40 p.m. Flights from Houston depart at 9:35 a.m. and arrive at 2:50
p.m., returning in the afternoon at 2:20 p.m. and landing at 5:45 p.m. The schedules are designed to connect passengers through United’s domestic network at both hubs, linking Cartagena to more than 70 U.S. cities.
Cartagena has rapidly grown as a Caribbean tourist destination known for its colonial architecture, beaches, and vibrant food scene, as well as nearby island excursions. The city features historic neighborhoods including Centro Histórico, San Diego and Getsemaní, with attractions like Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and proximity to the Rosario Islands and Barú Peninsula.
The city’s hotel scene includes notable historic properties such as Casa
San Agustín, housed in restored colonial buildings, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, a 17th-century former convent, and Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa with its rooftop pool overlooking the Caribbean. Restaurants such as Celele, Carmen Cartagena, La Cevichería and Mar y Zielo contribute to Cartagena’s expanding culinary reputation. Boutique hotels like Amarla Boutique Hotel Cartagena, Hotel Quadrifolio and Casa Pestagua offer intimate lodging options within the old city.
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 the service to Cartagena provides access to “a different side of the country,” enhancing travel options to a top Caribbean destination.
United currently operates nonstop flights to Bogotá and Medellín, with the addition of Cartagena marking its third Colombian destination. The Houston hub offers nonstop flights to 57 Latin America and Caribbean cities, serving as a major gateway for southbound travel. Washington Dulles is United’s primary hub for the Mid-Atlantic region, with nonstop service to 18 Latin American and Caribbean
destinations.
The new nonstop flights simplify itineraries for passengers connecting from over 70 U.S. cities, offering direct access to Cartagena from two major U.S. hubs. This reduces dependency on itineraries routing through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Panama City or Bogotá. Travelers benefit from seatback entertainment with Bluetooth audio, larger overhead bins for carry-on luggage, and the forthcoming availability of free in-flight Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members via Starlink internet.
The added United service increases competition on U.S.-Cartagena routes, which are also served by American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and Spirit depending on season and gateway. The year-round schedule supports demand beyond the
conventional December to April Caribbean travel season, matching Cartagena’s calendar of holidays, festivals and events.
Departing in the morning to arrive midday, the flights enable passengers to check in and begin exploring Cartagena’s historic old city, its plazas and waterfront on the day of arrival. Travelers can combine historic city stays with visits to Barú, Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands for a layered Caribbean experience blending culture, cuisine and beach tourism.
