United Airlines is expanding its global network with a new non-stop flight between Houston and Medellín, Colombia, and an impending service to Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
United Airlines now offers the first direct trip from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Medellín Airport (MDE) in Colombia.
Beginning November 13, 2024, this new route will streamline operations and shorten transit times, giving customers easy access to the thriving South American market. United will fly direct from Houston to Medellin with its cutting-edge Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft. The journey will last about 4 hours and 15 minutes, linking two vibrant communities with a shared desire for growth and opportunity.
Read Also: How to Use United Airlines Low Fare Calendar
Medellín is a vibrant city with a diverse economy and high air freight demand. We anticipate delivering a variety of in-demand products, such as fresh flowers, local fruits, and textiles, as well as uncovering new commodities as we grow this market. Importantly, this new route will provide mid-sized and small farmers with a useful shipping option to reach foreign clients, thereby creating jobs and improving the local economy.
Passengers and workers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport celebrated the Houston-Medellín route inauguration with excitement.
Patrick Quayle, the airline’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, emphasized the significance of the new flights, saying, “It’s connecting cultures and economies,” according to a statement obtained by FOX26 Houston.
United’s new route to Medellín is part of a larger strategy to increase its reach.
In keeping with prior expansions, United Airlines will soon launch the first-ever nonstop trip from Houston to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, on April 5th, 2025.
United’s new Saturday flights will provide travelers with unparalleled direct access between the two cities.
Phil Griffith, United Airlines’ Vice President of Airport Operations in Houston, highlighted the airline’s excitement about the route, saying, “This service reflects our commitment to providing diverse travel options for our customers,” as reported by Houston Public Media.
The inaugural flight to Medellín was significant for passengers, including Gustavo Marin, who made his 40th inaugural journey.
He picked this route to reconnect with his roots, which added significance to the occasion.
This emphasizes the human ties that these new pathways can facilitate.
Passengers on the first flight, as well as future travelers, will certainly remember the historical significance of these new links as United extends its network.
The new flights are intended to help the spike in travel demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in Houston. “Adding Puerto Escondido to our expanding portfolio of international destinations is an additional accomplishment for Houston before the 2026 World Cup,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
According to Mayor Whitmire, the city is committed to improving the passenger experience, from launching additional flights to modernizing airport infrastructure and parking, to “create new business and tourism opportunities,” as reported by Houston Public Media. Houston is likely to maintain its prominence as a principal gateway to Latin America, which, combined with the next World Cup, prepares the city to continue driving economic growth and cultural interchange.
Read Also: Round trip Flights to San Francisco
