Madrid, Lima, Buenos Aires and Caracas Gain More Plus Ultra Flights as Colombia Services Are Now Suspended Amid Rising Operating Costs

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Madrid, Lima, Buenos Aires and Caracas are set to benefit from increased air connectivity after Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas announced additional frequencies on several major Latin American routes. At the same time, the Spanish carrier has confirmed the temporary suspension of its Colombia operations, citing rising aviation fuel prices, airport charges and operational costs.

The network changes highlight how airlines are continuing to adapt route strategies in response to evolving market conditions. While demand remains strong on several long-haul services linking Spain and Latin America, increasing operating expenses are influencing decisions regarding route sustainability and capacity allocation.

The latest adjustments will provide additional travel opportunities for passengers flying between Spain and key destinations in Peru, Argentina and Venezuela during the second half of 2026.

Lima Becomes Plus Ultra’s First Daily Destination

Lima is emerging as the biggest beneficiary of the airline’s latest network expansion.

From 14 July, Plus Ultra will increase services between Madrid and Lima to seven flights per week, making the Peruvian capital the airline’s first destination served daily.

The expansion reflects the continued importance of Peru within the carrier’s Latin American network. Lima serves as both a major tourism destination and a strategic gateway to the wider country, attracting visitors interested in culture, gastronomy and heritage tourism.

The city also functions as an important connection point for travellers exploring other parts of Peru, including destinations such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Daily service provides greater flexibility for both leisure and business travellers while strengthening connectivity between Spain and Peru.

Buenos Aires Receives Additional Capacity

Argentina is also gaining additional air service through an increase in frequencies on the Madrid-Buenos Aires route.

Beginning on 6 July, Plus Ultra will operate five weekly flights between the two cities, expanding capacity on one of the most important transatlantic corridors connecting Europe and South America.

Buenos Aires remains one of Latin America’s leading tourism destinations, attracting international visitors through its architecture, cultural attractions, culinary scene and sporting heritage.

The route is also supported by strong family, business and community travel demand between Spain and Argentina.

Additional frequencies are expected to improve travel flexibility and provide passengers with more scheduling options during the peak travel period.

Caracas and Tenerife See Network Growth

Venezuela is another market receiving increased attention from the airline.

From 15 July, Plus Ultra will operate five weekly flights linking Madrid, Tenerife and Caracas, strengthening connectivity between Spain and the Venezuelan capital.

Caracas continues to serve as an important gateway for travellers visiting Venezuela, while Tenerife remains one of Spain’s most significant tourism destinations.

The expanded schedule is expected to support both tourism and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel, which continues to play a significant role in demand across the route.

Increased frequencies may also improve onward travel opportunities through Madrid and Tenerife for passengers connecting to other destinations.

Colombia Routes Suspended

While Peru, Argentina and Venezuela are receiving additional capacity, Colombia is experiencing a different outcome.

Plus Ultra has suspended all flights to the country from 2 June, temporarily withdrawing from a market it previously served with three weekly flights.

The suspended operation included two weekly services to Bogotá and one weekly flight to Cartagena de Indias.

According to the airline, the decision was influenced by a combination of factors affecting route economics, including rising aviation fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, increasing airport charges and higher operational expenses within Colombia.

The carrier stated that these factors have made the routes commercially unviable under current conditions.

Fuel Costs Continue Influencing Airline Networks

The suspension highlights the ongoing impact of fuel costs on airline operations worldwide.

Jet fuel remains one of the largest expenses for airlines, and fluctuations in global energy markets can significantly affect route profitability. Geopolitical developments often influence fuel prices, creating additional challenges for carriers operating long-haul international networks.

When operating costs rise sharply, airlines frequently reassess route performance and may adjust frequencies, redeploy aircraft or suspend services where financial conditions become less favourable.

The latest Plus Ultra decision reflects a broader industry trend in which airlines continuously evaluate network sustainability amid changing economic conditions.

Tourism Implications for Latin America

The network adjustments will have differing effects across Latin American tourism markets.

Peru, Argentina and Venezuela stand to benefit from improved accessibility and increased seat availability. Enhanced connectivity can support tourism growth by making destinations easier to reach while offering greater scheduling flexibility for travellers.

For Lima, Buenos Aires and Caracas, the additional flights may contribute to increased visitor arrivals and stronger travel demand from Spain and Europe.

Colombia, meanwhile, temporarily loses a direct connection to the Plus Ultra network. However, Bogotá and Cartagena continue to be served by other international carriers operating between Europe and Latin America.

The long-term future of the suspended routes may depend on changes in operating costs and market conditions.

Spain Maintains Strong Links With Latin America

The latest network changes also reinforce Madrid’s role as one of Europe’s most important gateways to Latin America.

Spain continues to maintain extensive aviation links across the region through a combination of historical, cultural and economic ties. Airlines operating from Madrid serve a wide range of destinations throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

As travel demand continues evolving, carriers are adjusting capacity to align with market opportunities while responding to operational challenges.

The Plus Ultra expansion demonstrates continued confidence in several Latin American markets despite ongoing pressures affecting the aviation industry.

Key Stats, Timelines and Events

• Madrid-Lima increases to daily service from 14 July 2026.
• Madrid-Buenos Aires rises to five weekly flights from 6 July 2026.
• Madrid-Tenerife-Caracas increases to five weekly services from 15 July 2026.
• Colombia’s services were suspended from 2 June 2026.
• The airline previously operated two weekly Bogotá flights and one weekly Cartagena service.

Chronological Tracker

2 June 2026
Plus Ultra suspends all Colombian operations.

6 July 2026
Madrid-Buenos Aires route increases to five weekly flights.

14 July 2026
Madrid-Lima becomes the airline’s first daily destination.

15 July 2026
Madrid-Tenerife-Caracas service expands to five weekly flights.

Winter 2026 Planning Continues
The airline evaluates network performance across Latin America.

Important Dates

• 2 June 2026: Colombia flights suspended.
• 6 July 2026: Buenos Aires route expanded.
• 14 July 2026: Daily Lima service begins.
• 15 July 2026: Caracas route expanded.

FAQ

Which destination is becoming Plus Ultra’s first daily route?

Lima will become the airline’s first daily destination with seven weekly flights from Madrid beginning on 14 July 2026.

Why are Colombian flights being suspended?

The airline cites rising fuel prices, airport charges and operating costs that have made the routes commercially unviable under current conditions.

Which Colombian destinations were affected?

The suspension impacts services to Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias.

Conclusion

Madrid, Lima, Buenos Aires and Caracas are strengthening their aviation links as Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas expands frequencies across key Latin American routes during 2026. The increases reflect continued demand for travel between Spain and major destinations in Peru, Argentina and Venezuela. At the same time, the suspension of Colombia services illustrates the challenges airlines face when rising fuel prices and operational costs affect route viability. As the carrier reshapes its network, the changes underscore the ongoing balance between tourism demand, connectivity growth and economic realities within the international aviation sector.