Texas Aligns with Virginia, Florida, New York, Illinois, and California as United Airlines Launches New Direct Cartagena Flights from Houston and Washington, Expanding US–Colombia Travel, Caribbean Tourism, and International Connectivity

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Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

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July 5, 2026 8:21 PM

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United Airlines is strengthening travel links between the United States and Colombia with the introduction of new year-round nonstop services connecting Houston, Texas, and Washington, Virginia, with Cartagena, one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing leisure destinations. Beginning on December 17, 2026, the airline will operate direct flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Washington Dulles International Airport to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, creating faster access for leisure and business travellers while reinforcing Colombia’s growing importance within the carrier’s Latin American network. The new services are expected to increase visitor arrivals, improve regional tourism flows, and provide travellers across North America with additional gateway options to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

The expansion further strengthens United Airlines’ leadership across Latin America by adding Cartagena as its third Colombian destination after Bogotá and Medellín. Through its major hubs in Texas and the Washington metropolitan region, travellers from more than 70 US destinations will gain convenient one-stop access to Cartagena. The move reflects rising demand for Caribbean cultural tourism, beach holidays, culinary experiences, and heritage travel while supporting stronger economic ties between the United States and Colombia. The airline also plans to enhance the passenger experience through modern Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with onboard connectivity and upgraded cabin features designed for today’s international travellers.

United Airlines Expands Its Colombia Network with Cartagena

United Airlines will begin nonstop flights between Houston and Cartagena as well as Washington Dulles and Cartagena from December 17, 2026. The new services will initially operate four times each week during the winter season before continuing as year-round operations.

The expansion marks another strategic investment in Colombia, giving international visitors greater access to one of the country’s most celebrated coastal destinations. Cartagena continues to attract growing numbers of global travellers thanks to its colonial architecture, Caribbean beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, luxury hotels, and internationally recognised culinary scene.

Flight Schedule and Weekly Operations

United will initially operate four weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The schedule remains subject to regulatory approval and operational adjustments.

Houston and Washington Strengthen Their Role as International Gateways

Houston has long served as one of United Airlines’ largest gateways to Latin America, while Washington Dulles continues to expand its international network. The addition of Cartagena further increases connectivity from both hubs.

Through Houston, passengers can connect from dozens of cities across Texas, the southern United States, the Midwest, and the West Coast. Washington Dulles similarly provides seamless connections for travellers across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and eastern Canada.

Combined, the two hubs will allow travellers from more than 70 destinations across the United States to reach Cartagena through convenient connecting itineraries.

Cartagena Continues to Rise as a Premier Caribbean Tourism Destination

Cartagena has become one of Latin America’s strongest-performing tourism destinations. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, colourful colonial streets, luxury waterfront hotels, Caribbean beaches, cultural festivals, museums, nightlife, and acclaimed restaurants continue attracting visitors from North America and Europe.

The availability of additional nonstop air services is expected to stimulate demand for leisure holidays, destination weddings, cruise extensions, family vacations, luxury escapes, and business travel.

Improved accessibility also supports Colombia’s broader tourism strategy by encouraging visitors to combine Cartagena with Bogotá, Medellín, and other regional destinations.

Enhanced Passenger Experience on Boeing 737 Aircraft

United Airlines plans to operate the routes using Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with modern passenger amenities.

Travellers will enjoy individual entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, larger overhead storage bins, enhanced cabin interiors, digital travel tools through the United mobile application, and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access for eligible MileagePlus members.

These onboard improvements are designed to deliver greater convenience for both leisure and business passengers travelling between the United States and Colombia.

Stronger US–Colombia Tourism and Economic Connections

The launch of these nonstop flights represents more than expanded airline capacity. Increased connectivity encourages tourism investment, strengthens trade opportunities, supports hospitality growth, and improves cultural exchange between the United States and Colombia.

For Cartagena, direct access from two major US hubs opens new opportunities for hotels, tour operators, restaurants, transportation providers, and local businesses that depend on international visitors.

For United Airlines, the new routes reinforce its long-term strategy of expanding throughout Latin America while responding to growing traveller demand for premium leisure destinations with strong tourism appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will United Airlines begin nonstop flights to Cartagena?
The new nonstop routes will commence on December 17, 2026.

2. Which US cities will offer direct flights to Cartagena?
Houston, Texas, and Washington Dulles will both offer nonstop services.

3. How often will the flights operate?
Flights will operate four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

4. Which airport serves Cartagena?
Flights will arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

5. What aircraft will United Airlines use?
The airline plans to operate Boeing 737 aircraft on both routes.

6. Is Cartagena United Airlines’ first destination in Colombia?
No. Cartagena becomes United’s third Colombian destination after Bogotá and Medellín.

7. Will the routes operate only during winter?
They will launch with winter-season frequencies before continuing as year-round services.

8. What onboard amenities will passengers receive?
Passengers can enjoy entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, larger overhead bins, digital travel tools, and eligible complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.

9. Why is Cartagena becoming increasingly popular?
Its historic architecture, Caribbean coastline, cultural heritage, luxury accommodations, and culinary experiences continue attracting international visitors.

10. Are tickets already available for booking?
Yes. The new services are available for booking through United Airlines’ official booking channels, subject to government approval and any future schedule adjustments.