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.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.