United Launches Cartagena Flights on 17 December 2026

COLOMBIA · CARTAGENA TRAVEL

Two United hubs gain a direct link to Colombia’s Caribbean coast just before the holidays. The first flights leave on a Thursday morning in mid-December.

United Airlines starts nonstop flights to Cartagena, Colombia, from Houston and Washington Dulles on Thursday, 17 December 2026. The airline says it will be the first US carrier to fly nonstop to Cartagena from both cities.

For US travellers, the routes remove a connection in Bogotá, Miami or Panama for a winter beach trip. Expats in Cartagena gain a one-stop path to more than 70 US cities through the two hubs.

What United Announced

United announced the two routes from Chicago on Monday, 29 June 2026, subject to government approval. Its press release lists four weekly flights on each route during the winter season.

The flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using Boeing 737 aircraft. United describes both routes as year-round services rather than a winter-only trial.

Cartagena becomes United’s third destination in Colombia, after Bogotá and Medellín. The airline says it has served Colombia for more than 30 years.

In the release, Patrick Quayle, United’s network planning chief, said Cartagena gives customers “access to a different side of the country.” The release also notes that Lonely Planet named Cartagena a 2026 Best in Travel destination.

The Schedule in US Time

The Dulles flight leaves at 8:20 a.m. and lands in Cartagena at 1:10 p.m. local time. The return leaves Cartagena at 4:00 p.m. and reaches Dulles at 8:40 p.m.

The Houston flight leaves at 9:35 a.m. Central time and lands at 2:50 p.m. in Cartagena. The return departs at 2:20 p.m. and lands in Houston at 5:45 p.m.

Colombia does not use daylight saving time and stays on UTC minus five all year. In December that matches US Eastern time, while Houston sits one hour behind Cartagena.

United publishes these times as subject to change, so check the booking before you travel. Morning departures and afternoon arrivals mean most travellers can reach their hotel before dark.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets are sold on united.com and in the United app, the airline says. United has not published a launch fare, so prices depend on date and demand.

Through Houston and Dulles, the airline says Cartagena connects to more than 70 US destinations. Travellers from smaller US cities can book one ticket with a single change of plane.

The first weeks fall in the Christmas and New Year peak, when Cartagena hotels fill early. Booking flights and rooms together avoids the steepest seasonal rates.

Entry Rules for US Citizens

US citizens need no visa for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less, the State Department says. Stays can add up to 180 days in a calendar year.

Every traveller must complete Colombia’s free Check-MIG form between 1 and 72 hours before the flight. Migración Colombia, the national immigration agency, runs the form and can extend a stay by 90 days.

Your passport must be valid for the whole stay and have one blank page for the entry stamp. The State Department recommends six months of validity to avoid problems with airlines.

Safety Tips for Visitors

The State Department rates Colombia at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, citing crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Several border and Pacific regions carry a Level 4 warning, but Cartagena’s department of Bolívar is not among them.

The department warns visitors not to hail taxis on the street and to use a dispatch service or app. It says US citizens have been killed in robberies in street-hailed taxis.

It also warns that criminals use dating apps to lure victims, and many US citizens have been drugged or robbed. Meet new contacts in busy public places and never leave a drink unattended.

The department urges caution with small tourist boats between Cartagena and nearby islands, especially in December and January. Choose licensed operators and check life jackets before you board.

What It Means for You

For travellers near Washington or Houston, Cartagena becomes a same-day trip with arrival by early afternoon. Eastern time travellers also land without any jet lag in December.

For expats in Cartagena, the routes add another US airline and a direct link to two major hubs. Family visits over the holidays become simpler, with one change of plane for most US cities.

What Is Not Known

United has not published fares for the Cartagena routes or a date for more than four weekly flights. Its release says the times remain subject to change and government approval.

The airline has not said which Boeing 737 version will fly the routes. It is also not confirmed whether the free Starlink Wi-Fi it describes will be available from launch.

What Comes Next

The first flights leave on Thursday, 17 December, followed by Saturday, 19 December, and Sunday, 20 December. Travellers should complete Check-MIG within 72 hours of each flight.

Any schedule change would appear in United’s booking system and app. Ticket holders should check their reservation in the week before departure.

Connected Coverage

The Rio Times Cartagena city guide covers neighbourhoods, costs and daily life for visitors and new residents. For current events in the city, see What to Do in Cartagena in October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do United’s Cartagena flights start?

The first flights from Houston and Washington Dulles leave on Thursday, 17 December 2026. Each route then runs four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Do US citizens need a visa for Colombia?

No, US citizens need no visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. They must complete the free Check-MIG form between 1 and 72 hours before the flight.

How much do the flights cost?

United has not published a launch fare for the Cartagena routes. Prices on united.com vary by date and demand, and holiday dates usually cost more.

Sources: United Airlines, news release (29 June 2026); Houston Airports, press release; US State Department, Colombia country information (all accessed 14 October 2026).