Avianca eyes 5 new routes from Florida to Latin America in 2025
Colombian airline Avianca is plotting a big U.S. expansion in 2025.
The Bogota-based carrier announced five new proposed routes Thursday, each of which would bring new nonstop Latin American flights to the state of Florida.
As part of Avianca’s planned expansion, the carrier would launch its first-ever service from Tampa International Airport (TPA). And, it would add new (or additional) direct links between South Florida and destinations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Colombia itself.
In announcing the proposed expansion, Avianca executives spoke to strong demand for its service in the Sunshine State:
“Florida has historically been a key gateway for connections to Latin America, which is why it is essential for us to contribute to reuniting families, boosting tourism, and promoting business,” Avianca CEO Frederico Pedreira said in a statement Thursday.
Related: Best travel credit cards
Avianca’s planned routes
All of Avianca’s proposed routes announced Thursday are subject to government approval. As such, the carrier has not yet announced start dates for the service.
That said, here are the routes the airline says it's eyeing:
TPA to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia
This service would give the Tampa Bay region its first-ever service aboard Avianca — not to mention a direct link to South America, which it currently lacks.
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) in Medellin, Colombia
Fort Lauderdale would be the fourth continental U.S. city with a nonstop Avianca flight to Medellin. The carrier currently flies from the Colombian city to Miami, Orlando, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Medellin has seen an uptick in nonstop service from the U.S. of late, with United Airlines recently launching flights to the city from Houston.
Avianca will have some competition on the FLL-MDE route, which is currently flown by both JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
Miami International Airport (MIA) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica
This isn’t an entirely new route. Avianca last flew between Miami and the Costa Rican capital in 2022.
This addition by Avianca should inject some competition onto the MIA-SJO route, which is currently flown by Miami's leading carrier, American Airlines.
Read more: The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for beach visits or hiking trips
Miami to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Avianca last flew this route in 2022, as well.
Currently, American is the only airline to operate service between the two cities.
Fort Lauderdale to Managua (and onto San Salvador)
Avianca is also proposing service between Fort Lauderdale and Managua, Nicaragua. As part of the setup, the aircraft would then continue on from Managua’s Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (MGA) to El Salvador International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador — so travelers would likely be able to either book direct (one-stop) service to San Salvador, or book a nonstop flight to Managua.
The airline will likely announce more specific details of all of this service at a later date, though.
Spirit is currently the only U.S. airline with regular service between FLL and Managua.
Related: Is an Avianca LifeMiles+ subscription worth it?
Bottom line
Avianca’s five new proposed routes from Florida come as the carrier has dramatically grown its footprint in North America.
In 2024, its total seats to the U.S. rose nearly 25% over 2023, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
In announcing its expansion Thursday, the carrier noted it will finish 2024 with eight new destinations across its network.
Meanwhile, the airline’s LifeMiles loyalty program remains a popular transfer option for multiple credit card rewards, offering an avenue for even domestic U.S. flyers to book cheap award tickets on United — or flights aboard other Star Alliance partners like Air Canada.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.