The evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the end of the pandemic is still far away. As vaccination progresses in more than 100 countries around the world, there are many travel restrictions that have forced borders to be closed due to new strains of the virus.
Airlines are cautious and prefer to maintain a reduced schedule, keeping the most requested routes. One of these airlines is the Colombian national carrier Avianca. CThe company has announced the cancellation of more than 20 international flights to and from Colombia, starting March 1.
In January, the Colombian carrier announced an increase in the number of routes by 77% and frequencies by 124%, compared to October 2020. However, the evolution of the pandemic forced the airline to change its plans.
Avianca has canceled over 20 international routes.
As of March 1, the carrier has canceled more than 20 routes to international destinations served from Bogotá El Dorado, Cali Alfonso Bonilla and Medellín José María Córdova airports.
These measures will last until April 1 or until the situation allows the resumption of flights. However, destinations such as Orlando International (USA) and Curaçao International will return before that time.
Passengers affected by these cancellations have the opportunity to change route and date at no extra charge. The list of canceled destinations is:
- From Bogota: Barcelona (Spain), London (UK), Curaçao, San Juan (Puerto Rico), La Paz and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Asunción (Paraguay), Montevideo (Uruguay)) , Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (USA) and Panama.
- From Cali and Medellín: Madrid (Spain).
- Routes in Central America: San Salvador - New York Newark (already suspended since February), San Salvador - Dallas (USA), San Salvador - Toronto (Canada) and Panama-San José (Costa Rica), among others.
Avianca has confirmed the implementation of a passenger testing system.
An international route will be launched between San Salvador International and Ontario International (USA). The latter route will be operated three times a week by an Airbus A319 aircraft, with the aim of increasing the connection between Central America and the West Coast of the United States.
For the other international flights that were not suspended, Avianca confirmed the implementation of a testing system in collaboration with SynLab Columbia.
These tests will allow international passengers purchasing option L and XXL to perform a PCR test before departure and receive the results within the next 24-36 hours. For the rest of the passengers, the option is still available at an additional cost.
On the other hand, Avianca announced the inauguration of several domestic routes. New routes include Pereira Matecaña to Cartagena Rafael Núñez and Santa Marta Simon Bolívar.