Key Highlights

• Enhanced connectivity for Medellín: Avianca is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to Medellín and the Antioquia region by operating more than 400 weekly flights throughout August to support increased travel demand during Colombia’s iconic Flower Festival.
• Record passenger growth: The airline carried more than seven million passengers on over 43,000 flights to and from Medellín in 2025, with another three million passengers transported during the first half of 2026.
• Leading flower export carrier: Avianca Cargo continues to dominate Medellín’s air flower export market with a 60% market share, transporting nearly 27,000 tonnes of flowers from the city to international destinations so far in 2026.
• Supporting Colombia’s floriculture industry: The cargo carrier has exported more than 82,000 tonnes of flowers from Colombia this year, supported by dedicated services to Miami and Madrid and specialised cold-chain infrastructure.
• Integrated passenger and cargo strategy: Through expanded passenger services and specialised perishables logistics, Avianca continues to strengthen Medellín’s position as a key tourism destination and one of Latin America’s leading flower export hubs.

Avianca Expands Passenger and Cargo Operations to Support Medellín’s Flower Festival

Avianca is strengthening its commitment to Medellín and Colombia’s Antioquia region by increasing passenger capacity during the city’s internationally renowned Flower Festival, while reinforcing its position as the leading air cargo carrier for Colombia’s thriving flower export industry.

With a history spanning more than 90 years in the region, the airline continues to play a central role in connecting Medellín with domestic and international markets through an integrated network of passenger and cargo services.

Increased Flights for Peak Festival Travel

As the official sponsor of the Flower Festival, Avianca will operate more than 400 weekly flights to and from Medellín throughout August, responding to increased travel demand generated by one of Colombia’s most important cultural celebrations.

The expanded schedule will enhance connectivity between Medellín and more than 25 domestic and international destinations, supporting tourism, regional economic activity and international visitor arrivals during the festival.

The airline’s passenger growth reflects Medellín’s increasing importance within its network. During 2025, Avianca carried more than seven million passengers on over 43,000 flights serving the city. That momentum has continued into 2026, with more than three million passengers travelling on over 22,000 flights during the first six months of the year.

Ángela María Orozco, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Avianca, said the airline’s support for the Flower Festival reflects its longstanding relationship with the region.

“The Flower Festival, one of Colombia’s most representative cultural expressions, is a celebration that reflects the identity and traditions of Antioquia. We are deeply proud of the history we have built alongside Medellín and the region for more than 90 years.”

She added that the additional flights will strengthen connectivity, support tourism and contribute to the economic vitality of a region that has played an important role in the airline’s history.

Avianca Cargo Supports Colombia’s Flower Industry

Alongside its passenger operations, Avianca Cargo continues to play a critical role in supporting Colombia’s floriculture sector, one of the country’s most significant export industries.

Flowers account for approximately 90% of air exports departing José María Córdova International Airport, making specialised cargo capacity essential to maintaining Colombia’s position as one of the world’s leading flower exporters.

According to the airline, Avianca Cargo currently holds a 60% share of Medellín’s air export market, making it the largest cargo operator serving the city’s flower export industry.

During the first seven months of 2026, the carrier exported more than 82,000 tonnes of flowers from Colombia, including nearly 27,000 tonnes shipped from Medellín to major consumer markets across the Americas and Europe.

These exports are supported by regular freighter and cargo services linking Medellín with Miami and Madrid, two of the most important international gateways for Colombian flowers.

Cold-Chain Expertise Drives Perishable Exports

Maintaining product quality remains a critical element of flower logistics, with temperature control playing a decisive role throughout the export process.

Avianca Cargo said its specialised perishables network is supported by IATA CEIV Fresh certification, dedicated cold-storage infrastructure and handling procedures designed to preserve the freshness and quality of flowers during transport.

Diogo Elias, Chief Executive Officer of Avianca Cargo, said the company’s cargo operation continues to strengthen Medellín’s position as a major export hub.

“Our operations reinforce Medellín’s position as one of the region’s leading flower export hubs, bringing Colombian flowers closer to key consumer markets across the Americas and Europe. As Latin America’s leading cargo airline, we continue to put our capacity, connectivity and expertise at the service of an industry that represents the very best of our country.”

Integrated Network Supports Regional Growth

By combining expanded passenger services with specialised cargo operations, Avianca continues to reinforce its strategic role in supporting both tourism and international trade across Colombia.

The airline’s integrated approach not only improves year-round connectivity for Medellín but also strengthens supply chains for one of Colombia’s most valuable agricultural exports.

As global demand for fresh flowers continues to grow, reliable air cargo capacity, specialised cold-chain logistics and extensive international connectivity remain essential to ensuring Colombian producers can efficiently access key overseas markets while supporting the country’s broader economic development.