United Airlines will start year-round nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport on December 17, 2026. Both routes will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the winter season.
Flight Schedules and Aircraft Amenities
Flights from Washington Dulles will depart at 8:20 a.m. with arrivals in Cartagena at 1:10 p.m., returning at 4 p.m. and landing back at Dulles at 8:40 p.m. The Houston service will leave at 9:35 a.m. and arrive in Cartagena at 2:50 p.m., with return flights departing Cartagena at 2:20 p.m. and arriving in Houston at 5:45 p.m.
United will operate both routes using Boeing 737 aircraft outfitted with seatback entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, larger overhead bins, and Starlink internet offering free Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members when aircraft are equipped.
Network Connections and Existing Colombian Routes
The new Cartagena routes link two major United hubs, allowing one-stop itineraries from over 70 U.S. cities through Houston and Washington Dulles. Cartagena becomes United’s third Colombian destination, joining existing nonstop services to Bogotá and Medellín. United serves 57 nonstop destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean from Houston and 18 nonstop destinations from Washington Dulles, enhancing access to the Colombian Caribbean from multiple U.S. markets.
Cartagena as a Caribbean Destination
Cartagena has
grown into a sought-after Caribbean destination combining colonial architecture, beaches, a vibrant restaurant scene, rooftop bars, and nearby islands such as the Rosario Islands and Barú Peninsula. The city’s old town features historic hotels and compact districts including Centro Histórico, San Diego, and Getsemaní. Visitors enjoy both urban cultural experiences and excursions to islands offering coral reefs and luxury resorts.
United Airlines’ Strategic Investment and Traveler Benefits
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president for network planning and global alliances, stated that Colombia has been a key part of the airline’s Latin America network for over 30 years, and the Cartagena flight launches reflect United’s ongoing investment in
the country and commitment to new travel experiences. The year-round schedule facilitates travel beyond typical Caribbean winter peak months, offering greater convenience by reducing the need for one or multiple transfers through hubs like Miami, Atlanta, or Bogotá. The new nonstop flights simplify access to Cartagena for travelers from numerous U.S. cities, including major markets in Texas and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Market Competition and Tourism Dynamics
United enters a competitive market where American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines also offer service to Cartagena. The airline’s addition of nonstop flights from Houston and Washington Dulles adds capacity and route options to one of
the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. This expansion aligns with rising demand for Caribbean travel from Texas and the Mid-Atlantic and supports Cartagena’s evolving hotel and culinary sectors.
