United Adds First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Cartagena From 2 U.S. Cities

Updated: June 29, 2026, 12:04pm CDT

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Table of Contents

United’s New Flights to Cartagena
How To Book
Final Thoughts

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United Airlines announced today, June 29, 2026, that it will become the first U.S. carrier to operate nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia (CTG) from both Houston Intercontinental (IAH) and Washington Dulles (IAD). Both routes launch December 17 and will operate year-round, 4 times per week.

Cartagena has earned its reputation over the past several years as one of the most compelling cities in Latin America. Lonely Planet named it a 2026 Best in Travel destination, citing its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean waterfront, and a food scene that’s gotten serious attention.

Here’s what we know about these new United routes.

United’s New Flights to Cartagena

United will operate both routes 4 times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays using a Boeing 737.

Flights will use the following schedule:

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Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Washington, D.C. to Cartagena	8:20 a.m.	1:10 p.m.
Cartagena to Washington, D.C.	4 p.m.	8:40 p.m.
Houston to Cartagena	9:35 a.m.	2:50 p.m.
Cartagena to Houston	2:20 p.m.	5:45 p.m.

Because both IAH and IAD are major United hubs, these routes connect Cartagena to more than 70 U.S. cities through onward connections. Cartagena becomes United’s third Colombian destination alongside Bogota and Medellín, extending a network presence in the country that goes back more than 30 years.

Demand from U.S. travelers has been there — the nonstop flights just haven’t. For travelers in D.C. and Houston, getting to Cartagena has usually meant connecting through Bogotá or making another stop in the region. These new routes remove that extra hassle, and launching them right before peak winter travel season makes a lot of sense.

How To Book

Cash fares aren’t exactly cheap. One-way economy starts at $664 from Washington, D.C., and $824 from Houston. Business class starts at $848 from Washington, D.C., and $1,200 from Houston, making Washington D.C. the cheaper option in either cabin.

United 737 900ER Boston — Image Credit: Alberto Riva

For award bookings, MileagePlus awards start at 27,200 miles one-way in economy and 70,000 miles one-way in business class.

Before redeeming MileagePlus miles, it’s worth running a search through Star Alliance partner programs. Avianca Lifemiles and Air Canada Aeroplan are both worth checking, as they can sometimes surface better pricing or availability on United-operated routes. If you’re holding miles in either currency, search before assuming MileagePlus is your best option.

Hot Tip:

Our guides can teach you the best ways to earn and redeem United MileagePlus miles.

Final Thoughts

Nonstop service to Cartagena from 2 major U.S. hubs fills a gap that has existed for a while. United going first on both routes also means award availability should be more open now than it will be once demand builds — which makes searching sooner rather than later worth the effort.

If Cartagena has been on your list, December 17 provides you a date to plan around.