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With IATA’s Summer now firmly underway, United has announced yet another new route to launch this winter. Previously, United announced new flights from San Francisco to Sapporo and from Chicago to Tokyo Narita, and now we’re switching gears and heading south with new United flights between Houston (IAH) and Washington Dulles (IAD), and between Houston (IAH) and Cartagena (CTG), Colombia.
United Adds More Service to Colombia
The headline addition is Cartagena, one of Colombia’s most popular leisure destinations.
Beginning this December, United will launch nonstop service from two of its largest hubs, giving travellers from across the United States easier access to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Flights launch December 17 with 4X weekly frequencies and are set to run year-round.
United is launching from Houston (IAH) and Washington Dulles (IAD) to Cartagena (CTG)
United is flying a Boeing 737 on this route, noting that passengers will enjoy seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity, which indicates these are Boeing 737s with United’s “Next” upgraded interiors. Soon, these planes will have free Starlink Wi-Fi for both MileagePlus and Aeroplan members.
Unlike Bogotá and MedellÃn, Cartagena is primarily known for its beaches, colonial Old Town, luxury hotels, and cruise port, making it a natural addition to United’s growing Latin American network. Lonely Planet lists Cartagena as a 2026 Best in Travel destination, recognizing the growing tourism to this coastal city.
Further evidence of the increased tourism is that Air Canada is also launching direct flights to Cartagena (CTG) this winter, beginning December 20 from both Toronto and Montreal. This is the second time United announced the same new destination about a month after Air Canada did (the first was Sapporo) 😉.
United already serves Bogotá (BOG) and MedellÃn (MDE), with Cartagena becoming its third destination in Colombia.
Schedule & Frequency
Washington Dulles (IAD) – Cartagena (CTG)
|
Route |
Start Date/Frequency |
Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
Aircraft |
|
IAD – CTG |
Dec 17, 4x weekly service on |
8:20 |
13:10 |
Boeing 737 |
|
CTG – IAD |
Dec 17, 4x weekly service on |
16:00 |
20:40 |
Boeing 737 |
|
Route |
Start Date/Frequency |
Departure Time |
Arrival Time |
Aircraft |
|
IAH – CTG |
Dec 17, 4x weekly service on |
9:35 |
14:50 |
Boeing 737 |
|
CTG – IAH |
Dec 17, 4x weekly service on |
14:20 |
17:45 |
Boeing 737 |
From both Texas and Washington D.C., United has more flights to Latin America than any other airline with a total of 57 nonstop flights from Houston and 18 from Washington Dulles. The new route gives travellers one-stop access to more than 70 destinations across the United States via United’s Houston and Washington hubs.
United Also Flying to Turks & Caicos
In addition to the official announcement of flights to Cartagena (CTG), United added new flights over the weekend to Providenciales (PLS), Turks & Caicos, from its central hub, Denver (DEN).
This will be the fourth direct flight to Providenciales as United already flies from New York/Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Washington D.C. (IAD).
Flights launch December 19 on a once-weekly Saturday schedule currently set to end on April 24, so this will run through the busy winter season. Current filings show United is operating this route with a Boeing 737 Max 9.
United has easily been the most aggressive U.S. airline when it comes to international expansion. Rather than simply restoring pre-pandemic flying, the airline has consistently added new cities, niche leisure destinations, and other underserved international markets. Who else is flying from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar?!
Why Canadians Should Care
Even though these routes don’t originate in Canada, they’re still relevant for Canadian travellers.
As we discussed in our article on why Canadians should care about United Airlines, United’s massive route network creates additional redemption opportunities for Aeroplan members.
For Canadians willing to connect through hubs like Houston or Washington D.C., United’s continued expansion means more flights, aka more award opportunities and additional routes bookable through Aeroplan. This does require United to open award space to partners, of course.
Houston works surprisingly well for Canadians out west, while Washington Dulles is often the more convenient option for those in Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. Personally, as I’m located in Ottawa, connecting in either Toronto or Washington D.C. means one stop, so I’m perfectly happy to fly United.
If there’s no partner award space, Canadians can now unlock additional award space directly through United MileagePlus by holding the Neo United Mastercard.
Fly from Toronto to Sydney for 90,000 United miles
Takeaway
United continues to be the most aggressive U.S. airline in international expansion, adding another leisure destination to its already extensive network in Latin America. While Cartagena is the headline, the additional service to Turks & Caicos is nice to see as well.
Cartagena is rising as the new hot destination to keep an eye on, as Air Canada has also announced new direct flights this winter. On either airline, more routes mean more potential Aeroplan redemption opportunities and recall that Aeroplan lets you piece together custom itineraries so you can include flights to/from your home airport.
Of course, these new routes are most useful if United releases saver award space to partners. If not, Canadians can still access United’s expanded MileagePlus award inventory through the Neo United Mastercard.
Featured Image Credit: United Airlines
