Spirit Airlines Adds Flights Connecting Bucaramanga & Barranquilla To The US

Spirit Airlines (NYSE:SAVE) has announced the addition of two new destinations to its network in 2020, with service to Bucaramanga (BGA) and Barranquilla (BAQ) Colombia starting in April, subject to regulatory approval.

Spirit flew its first flight to Colombia in May 2008, connecting Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cartagena (CTG). The airline’s expansion continued over the next decade with flights to Bogota (BOG), Medellin (MDE), Armenia (AXM) and Cali (CLO). Separately, the airline established nonstop flights between Orlando (MCO) and Cartagena, Bogota and Medellin. The addition of Bucaramanga and Barranquilla to Fort Lauderdale’s lineup means Spirit serves more cities in Colombia nonstop from the US than any other airline, with a total of 10 routes from two Florida cities to seven Colombian cities.

The new destinations broaden Spirit’s reach into Colombia’s business and leisure markets. Barranquilla is the economic capital of Colombia’s Atlantic coast, and Bucaramanga is the principal city in eastern Colombia. Spirit claims its service will be the first nonstop connection between Eastern Colombia and the US.

Ted Christie, President and CEO at Spirit Airlines said in a statement: “We are very proud of our service growth in Colombia, connecting many Colombian cities to multiple U.S. Gateways over the last 10-plus years. Colombia is considered home to many in Florida and it is also a destination that has gained so much interest in the past years from the leisure traveler. We are very excited to add Bucaramanga and Barranquilla to our Spirit Family and continue with our mission to offer the best value in the sky to those looking to visit family and friends and those looking for their next adventure.”

“These two new routes confirm that Spirit Airlines sees Colombia as a major destination,” said Flavia Santoro, President of ProColombia, an economic agency of the Colombian government. “Air connectivity is one of the government’s priorities and with this announcement we see progress toward our goal of enabling tourists and foreign investors to enjoy the numerous advantages Colombia has to offer, including its strategic geographical location and business opportunities.”