Avianca begins operations on two new routes that enhance the city’s international connectivity: Medellín–Panama City and Medellín–São Paulo. This expansion is part of the strategy to strengthen Medellín’s international connectivity.
Starting in December, the airline will offer two daily operations on the Medellín–Panama City route and three weekly flights between Medellín and São Paulo. These new routes are operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, with a capacity of 180 passengers. In total, more than 5,000 weekly seats will be offered on the Medellín–Panama City route and over 1,000 weekly seats on the Medellín–São Paulo route.
“The inauguration of these two new routes, in addition to the five we have already launched this year in Medellín and the upcoming operation of the route to Guayaquil, represents a significant increase in the city’s and Colombia’s international connectivity, providing our customers access to new destinations. This increase in international offerings will bring Medellín to a total of 30 routes by the end of 2024,” said David Alemán, Avianca’s Sales Director for Colombia and South America.
The Medellín–Panama City route offers daily flights, while the Medellín–São Paulo route will be operated three times a week. The operation of these new routes will strengthen Medellín’s air infrastructure, positively impacting José María Córdova International Airport. This growth contributes to the airport approaching 3.5 million international passengers by 2024.
Javier Benítez Ríos, Manager of José María Córdova International Airport, highlighted the importance of these new routes, emphasizing that such expansions position Medellín as a key connectivity hub in the region. The schedules for the new routes are as follows:
- Medellín – Panama City: AV322, 1:25 p.m. (departure) / 2:40 p.m. (arrival), daily from December 2.
- Panama City – Medellín: AV323, 11:20 a.m. (departure) / 12:30 p.m. (arrival), daily from December 2.
- Medellín – São Paulo: AV163, 5:45 p.m. (departure) / 1:55 a.m. (arrival), Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from December 3.
- São Paulo – Medellín: AV162, 3:00 a.m. (departure) / 6:59 a.m. (arrival), Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from December 4.
Additionally, the routes to São Paulo are seasonal, allowing flexibility to meet traveler demand during specific periods of the year.
The launch of these new routes has been positively received by Colombian and Brazilian authorities. Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, celebrated the new air connection, highlighting that it will not only strengthen tourism between the two countries but also economic and cultural ties.
Sergio Escobar, Consul of the Cônsulado Honorário do Brasil in Medellín, also emphasized the importance of this connection for improving integration between Medellín and São Paulo. According to Escobar, the new operation will reduce costs and flight times, enhancing the quality of service for travelers and entrepreneurs in both regions.
Avianca’s Connectivity in Medellín
With the addition of these new routes, Avianca reaches a total of 30 operational routes in Medellín, including 12 domestic and 18 international destinations. Among the most notable international destinations are Miami, Santiago, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Madrid.
