United says it will launch new nonstop service from Houston Intercontinental and Washington Dulles to Cartagena, Colombia, on December 17, 2026. That is a real traveler update because United says it will become the first US airline to offer those nonstop links, cutting out the extra connection many Cartagena trips used to require.
United says both routes start with four weekly flights during the winter season, operating on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The airline also says flights will run year-round from both hubs, which makes this more than a short holiday pop-up.
- United says Houston to Cartagena and Washington Dulles to Cartagena both start on December 17, 2026.
- The airline says each route begins with four weekly winter-season flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- United says it will use a Boeing 737 on both routes.
- The carrier says it will be the first US airline to fly those nonstop links to Cartagena.
What Changes for Cartagena Travelers
The biggest gain is schedule simplicity. Travelers from Texas, the Mid-Atlantic, and connecting cities in United’s network can now reach Cartagena without first routing through another US gateway, Panama, or a second Colombian city.
That matters most on leisure itineraries where one missed connection can unravel the whole trip. United also says Cartagena travelers will be able to connect to more than 70 US destinations through Houston and Washington, which gives the launch broader value than a point-to-point vacation route.
Why the Fare Math Still Matters
A new nonstop usually saves time, but it does not automatically make the trip cheaper. Travelers comparing this route against one-stop options can use Deep Arrival’s United baggage-fees guide before booking so bag costs and fare differences do not get lost behind the convenience of a nonstop.
United already serves Bogota and Medellin, so Cartagena becomes a cleaner beach-and-city option inside its Colombia map. For readers who were waiting for a simpler United routing into the Caribbean coast, this is the launch that changes the equation.
- Check December and winter-season dates now if a nonstop Cartagena trip matters more than the absolute lowest fare.
- Use the Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday pattern before you lock hotels or onward Colombia plans.
- Compare Houston and Washington connection times if you are not originating in either hub.
- Recheck bag costs before purchase because nonstop convenience can still lose value if add-on costs climb.
When do United’s new Cartagena flights start?
United says both the Houston and Washington Dulles routes start on December 17, 2026.
How often will the new flights operate?
United says the routes begin with four weekly winter-season flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
What aircraft will United use?
The airline says it will fly a Boeing 737 on both routes.
Why is this useful for travelers?
It creates new nonstop Cartagena options from two major US hubs and removes a connection that many travelers previously had to build into the trip.
Image: Official image courtesy of United Airlines via PR Newswire. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-announces-new-nonstop-flights-from-houston-and-washington-dc-to-cartagena-302813361.html
