Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas has strengthened its route between Madrid and Cartagena de Indias, doubling frequencies to six flights per week as it reallocates aircraft grounded following the suspension of services to Caracas at the end of November.
The expanded schedule will be operated using some of the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft that were left idle after flights to Venezuela were halted. The increase comes amid rising demand from passengers travelling onward to Central America and the Caribbean, many of whom are using Cartagena de Indias as a connecting hub.
According to the airline, Cartagena has emerged as a strategic transfer point, allowing Plus Ultra passengers to connect with regional carriers operating short-haul routes across the Caribbean basin and Central America. This role has driven higher traffic volumes, particularly in the final quarter of 2025.
With the additional frequencies, Plus Ultra is boosting connectivity between Spain and Colombia, where it currently operates two regular routes: Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias. The six weekly flights to Cartagena from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport are complemented by three weekly services to Bogotá, bringing the total to nine flights per week between Spain and Colombia.
The airline said the reinforcement responds directly to passenger needs and its aim to maintain efficient connectivity between Spain and Latin America in a challenging operational environment. “Cartagena has consolidated its position as a key strategic point that allows us to sustain passenger flows,” the company said.
Beyond Colombia, Plus Ultra has also increased capacity to Peru during 2025, operating six weekly flights to Lima with a short-term goal of moving to daily service. In addition, the carrier plans to launch four weekly flights between Madrid and Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport from June.
The expansion follows the airline’s decision, alongside Iberia and Air Europa, to suspend flights between Madrid and Caracas. The move came after guidance from AESA advising airlines not to operate in the Caracas and southern Caribbean airspace.
Plus Ultra has a higher proportion of its business tied to Venezuela than other Spanish carriers, increasing the impact of the Caracas suspension. The airline is now seeking alternative routes and network adjustments to offset the loss of activity and keep its seven Airbus A330 aircraft in operation.
