Avianca
Colombia's flag carrier, operating scheduled domestic, regional and intercontinental services through a broad network centered on Bogotá.
About Avianca
Avianca traces its origins to 1919, when SCADTA was founded in Barranquilla, and it is among the world's oldest airline brands still operating. The carrier developed into Colombia's flag airline through mergers and corporate reorganizations. Today, Avianca forms part of Avianca Group International and the wider Abra Group, which brings together aviation businesses in Latin America while retaining Avianca's established Colombian identity.
El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá is Avianca's primary hub and its largest connecting gateway. The airline operates 162 routes serving 62 destinations across 20 countries. Its network combines extensive Colombian coverage with services elsewhere in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Medellín, Cali, Miami and Barranquilla are also among its busiest departure points, supporting both local travel and connections through the wider system.
Aircraft associated with Avianca's operations include Airbus A318, A319, A320, A330 and A340-600 models, Boeing 737, 737-800 and 767-300 aircraft, Embraer ERJ-170 and ERJ-190 regional jets, ATR 42-500 turboprops and Fairchild Dornier Do-328 aircraft. Individual types may represent different periods or operating units, so passengers should check the aircraft scheduled for their flight. Avianca sells economy-focused fare categories, while business-class availability and onboard service vary by route and equipment.
Avianca has been a member of Star Alliance since 2012. This connects its network with other alliance carriers and provides reciprocal benefits for eligible frequent flyers, including priority services and lounge access where applicable. Avianca's loyalty programme is LifeMiles, whose members can earn and redeem miles with Avianca, Star Alliance airlines and participating commercial partners. Status privileges depend on membership level, fare and operating carrier.
Avianca's principal strength is its range of connections within Colombia and across the Americas, particularly through Bogotá. Its 62-destination network also includes long-haul links such as Bogotá to Frankfurt, its longest route at about 9,087 km nonstop. A practical challenge is the airline's unbundled pricing model: the cheapest fare may exclude checked baggage, advance seat selection or flexibility, so travellers should compare the final price and inclusions rather than relying only on the headline fare.
Good to know
Flying with Avianca — what to expect
Compare Fare Bundles
Avianca's lowest fares may exclude checked baggage, advance seat selection and flexible changes. Check the complete bundle before booking so that optional charges do not erase an apparent saving.
Verify Your Aircraft
Aircraft and cabin layouts can differ substantially by route and operating unit. Review the scheduled equipment and seat map before selecting a seat, particularly when booking business class.
Plan Bogotá Connections
Bogotá is Avianca's main hub and can require immigration, security screening or movement between domestic and international areas. Leave a sensible connection margin, especially on separate tickets.
Confirm Baggage Entitlement
Cabin and checked-baggage allowances depend on the fare, route and traveller status. Use the allowance displayed in your reservation rather than assuming every Avianca ticket includes the same baggage.
Use LifeMiles Carefully
LifeMiles can be earned and redeemed across Avianca and participating Star Alliance airlines. Award availability, fees and elite privileges vary, so review the conditions before transferring points or confirming an itinerary.
Check In Online
Online or mobile check-in is generally the simplest option when available. International passengers may still need airport document verification and should allow additional time.
Network overview
Where Avianca flies
Avianca operates 162 routes to 62 destinations across 20 countries, its longest sector reaching Bogota to Frankfurt (9,087 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Avianca flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Bogota → Frankfurt
9,087 km · BOG → FRA
The longest sector in the Avianca network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Avianca
More from Colombia
Other airlines based in Colombia
FAQ
Avianca — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Avianca's longest route is Bogotá to Frankfurt, covering about 9,087 km nonstop. Operating schedules can vary by travel date, so passengers should confirm availability for their intended journey.
- Avianca serves Colombia and destinations across South America, Central America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Notable cities include Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Miami, Cartagena, Guayaquil, Madrid, New York and Panama City.
- Avianca's primary hub is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá. Medellín, Cali, Miami and Barranquilla are its other busiest departure points by route count.
- Avianca serves exactly 62 destinations across 20 countries. Its network comprises 162 routes.
- Carry-on entitlement varies by fare, and the least inclusive option may cover only a personal item. Check the size, weight and number of pieces listed in your reservation because excess or additional baggage may incur a charge.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The busiest departure airports in Avianca's network are Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Miami and Barranquilla, in that order by number of routes. Bogotá is the airline's principal hub and largest connecting point.
- Avianca fares are often cheaper outside school holidays, major festivals and peak Christmas, Easter and summer travel periods. Comparing midweek departures and different fare bundles can reveal a lower total price, although availability and demand determine the final fare.