Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has relaunched flights to another Caribbean destination, this time to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. 

Spirit has relaunched its route from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Cartagena. 

With its return, Spirit is the first international carrier to enter Colombia since the country reopened its borders for tourism. 

Spirit is also relaunching flights from Fort Lauderdale to Colombian destinations including Bogota, Medellin and Cali on Sept. 21. 

“Being the airline that will operate the first commercial international flight to Colombia from the United States is a sign of our commitment to the country,” said Ted Christie, president and CEO of Spirit Airlines. “ We have been anticipating our return to the country and we thank the government of Colombia for its constant support and collaboration.”

Spirit actually operates more nonstop flights to Colombia than any other U.S. carrier. 

“The return of Spirit to our skies is great news for the country, as it confirms that we are making a firm step towards the recovery of the tourism industry under strict biosecurity protocols,” said Flavia Santoro, prseident of ProColombia, the country’s chief investment and tourism agency. “When this situation began, we were clear that we had to work on a plan to restore international seats and frequencies hand in hand with the airlines. This is how we are coordinating the return of Spirit and supporting it in its promotional plans to return.”

Visitors looking to enter Colombia must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 96 hours of the time of travel. 

That’s along with a required application on the Colombian immigration page (you can find it here).

— CJ