Sunwing Vacations Unites Avianca, and United Airlines Boost Travel to Nicaragua with New Routes and Expansions – A Game Changer for Central American Connectivity!

Nicaragua is seeing transformative changes in its aviation sector, with new flight routes, expanding airline services, and significant infrastructure upgrades. The country is quickly becoming a key player in Central America’s travel network, with major international airlines adding direct services to Nicaragua. At the same time, the government’s ongoing airport modernization efforts and the introduction of a new airport project are poised to further boost the country’s travel appeal. However, in a significant policy shift, Nicaragua has also altered its visa policy, adding complexity to travel for Cuban citizens.

Sunwing Vacations (WestJet) Launches Direct Flight to Nicaragua

One of the most exciting developments in Nicaragua’s aviation landscape is the addition of a new direct flight service from Montreal (YUL) to Managua (MGA), operated by Sunwing Vacations, now part of WestJet. Starting from December 18, 2025, through April 9, 2026, this seasonal route is the only direct air link between Canada and Nicaragua.

This new service is expected to boost tourism and travel between the two countries, providing Canadians with easier access to Nicaragua’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and growing eco-tourism sector. The seasonal nature of the route also aligns with the peak travel season, offering a perfect opportunity for winter vacationers to explore Nicaragua’s tropical beauty.

Avianca’s Expansion into Nicaragua

Avianca, a prominent player in Latin American aviation, has significantly expanded its presence in Nicaragua. The airline launched nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Managua (MGA) in mid-2025, with the route continuing into 2026. This route, operated with Airbus A320 aircraft, represents a major leap in connectivity between Florida and Nicaragua, facilitating easier travel for Nicaraguan expatriates in the US and travelers eager to experience the country’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

This move by Avianca is part of a broader push to strengthen its network across Central America and expand the accessibility of Nicaragua as a travel destination. As more international airlines increase their services to Managua, the country’s tourism and business opportunities are set to grow.

United Airlines Maintains Daily Service

United Airlines continues to offer daily service between Managua and Houston (IAH), maintaining a consistent and reliable connection for travelers. This service has long been a cornerstone of Nicaragua’s connection to the United States and remains essential for both leisure and business travelers. The flight offers vital links to Houston’s international network, providing access to destinations across the US, Europe, and beyond.

With United Airlines sustaining its operations at this high level, the airline contributes to the strong demand for direct services to Nicaragua and plays an important role in connecting the country to the wider world.

Major Airport Infrastructure Upgrades

To accommodate the increasing demand for air travel, the Nicaraguan government is investing heavily in the country’s airport infrastructure. The Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, the country’s primary international gateway, is undergoing a major modernization project with an investment of 600 million cordobas. This project focuses on improving the airport’s runways, ground support facilities, and overall passenger experience, ensuring that Nicaragua can handle larger aircraft and more travelers.

These upgrades are essential as Nicaragua continues to grow as a tourist destination. The improved facilities will help meet the needs of both domestic and international airlines, enhancing the capacity to welcome more visitors from around the world.

Punta Huete International Airport Development

In addition to the renovations at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, a major new airport project is underway in Punta Huete, a location near the Lake Cocibolca area. The Punta Huete International Airport, being developed in collaboration with China, is expected to eventually handle up to 3.5 million passengers annually. However, this ambitious project is not expected to be completed until 2029, marking it as a long-term investment in Nicaragua’s infrastructure and global connectivity.

Once completed, the Punta Huete International Airport will further position Nicaragua as a crucial hub in Central America, with the capacity to handle significantly higher passenger volumes and accommodate more international airlines.

Visa Policy Change: Cuba No Longer Exempt

In a significant shift in its immigration policy, Nicaragua announced on February 8, 2026, that it would no longer offer visa-free entry to Cuban citizens. As of this date, Cuban travelers will need to obtain a visa before entering Nicaragua, a change that will have immediate implications for airlines, travel agencies, and transit operators. The decision reflects Nicaragua’s changing diplomatic relations and will likely affect the travel behavior of Cuban nationals and those traveling through Cuba to Nicaragua.

This move is also significant for Nicaragua’s tourism industry, as it could reduce the number of Cuban visitors and affect the airlines operating in the region, who will need to adjust their offerings accordingly. However, the change is expected to strengthen Nicaragua’s control over its borders and align its immigration policies with the growing demand for tourism and business travel.

Looking Ahead: Nicaragua’s Growing Role in Central American Aviation

With new flight routes, expanding services from major airlines, and ongoing airport infrastructure projects, Nicaragua is positioning itself as a key player in Central America’s aviation sector. The new direct flights from Sunwing Vacations, Avianca, and United Airlines will continue to enhance connectivity and bring more international visitors to the country. At the same time, the government’s investments in airport modernizations and new infrastructure, such as the Punta Huete International Airport, are setting the stage for a future in which Nicaragua will be an even more prominent destination in Latin American and global tourism.

As these changes unfold, Nicaragua is expected to experience a boost in both tourism and business travel, contributing to the broader economic development of the country. The combination of increased flight connectivity and upgraded infrastructure is a positive step forward for Nicaragua’s aviation sector, making 2026 a year of pivotal growth and transformation for the country’s travel industry.

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Garmin Takes Over Arizona’s Mesa Gateway Airport: A Game-Changer for U.S. Aviation and Travel Hub!

In a major move for both aviation and Arizona’s growing travel industry, Garmin International has opened a state‑of‑the‑art aviation facility at Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona. This ambitious expansion is set to revolutionize flight testing and aircraft certification in the region, driving forward innovation in avionics technology while bolstering Arizona’s role as a vital aviation hub.

Mesa Gateway Airport: A Hidden Gem for Aviation Enthusiasts

Mesa Gateway Airport has long been a standout destination for both business and leisure aviation, but with Garmin’s new investment, its aviation credentials are reaching new heights. Located just 20 miles southeast of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the facility boasts three expansive runways, some stretching over 10,000 feet in length—perfect for testing a variety of aircraft and boosting the airport’s reputation as a go-to location for aviation operations.

The new Garmin facility, comprising 75,000 square feet of office and hangar space, will house around 75 Garmin employees, including engineers and technical experts specializing in aircraft certification and flight testing. The vast facility is expected to serve as a base for further research and testing into Garmin’s avionics systems, with the ultimate goal of providing cutting-edge technologies for both private and commercial aircraft.

Why Mesa? Perfect Weather and Prime Location for Aviation

With Arizona’s year-round favourable weather conditions, Mesa Gateway Airport is strategically positioned to allow continuous flight operations, which are crucial for aviation companies like Garmin. The airport’s proximity to Phoenix, combined with its extensive aviation infrastructure, ensures that it is the ideal testing ground for Garmin’s growing aviation product line. It’s not just about space—it’s about location, climate, and the ability to scale operations quickly.

This facility will allow Garmin to efficiently carry out airworthiness approvals and enhance market coverage for its cutting-edge avionics systems, including advanced navigation and communication equipment for aircraft. With the growing demand for next-generation aviation technologies, this expansion comes at the perfect time to capture the momentum of the booming aerospace industry.

Mesa Gateway Airport’s Role in Arizona’s Aviation Landscape

Mesa Gateway Airport is a key player in Arizona’s vibrant aviation ecosystem. Managed by the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, it serves as a major regional airport for business aviation, commercial flights, and private air travel. Over the years, the airport has seen significant growth, with its wide runways and advanced facilities attracting numerous aviation companies like Garmin. Mesa Gateway provides a unique blend of commercial and general aviation traffic, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Arizona’s aviation infrastructure.

The addition of Garmin’s facility only strengthens the area’s growing aviation presence, offering a prime location for industry innovation, aviation events, and more. As the Phoenix metropolitan area continues to grow, Mesa Gateway is perfectly poised to capitalize on new opportunities within the aviation sector, reinforcing its status as a key aviation destination in the United States.

Expanding Garmin’s Global Aviation Footprint

Garmin’s move to Mesa is just one part of a larger strategic push to expand the company’s aviation footprint across the U.S. The company already operates aviation facilities in New Century, Kansas, and Salem, Oregon, but this new location in Mesa, Arizona, marks a new chapter in Garmin’s journey to support the next generation of aviation. By increasing its presence across the U.S., Garmin is better positioned to meet the rising demand for advanced avionics and flight test services for the commercial and private aviation sectors.

The Future of Aviation and Travel in Arizona

Garmin’s expansion at Mesa Gateway is more than just a corporate move—it’s a vital development for Arizona’s aviation future. As more companies choose the state for their aviation needs, the growing emphasis on aviation certifications, flight testing and aircraft technologies brings exciting opportunities for travelers, tourists, and aviation enthusiasts alike. The new facility is also likely to stimulate local economic growth, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses in the region.

As Mesa Gateway Airport grows in prominence, it will undoubtedly draw more attention from both the aviation and travel sectors. Whether for business or leisure, visitors passing through Mesa Gateway will now be more aware of the crucial role the airport plays in Arizona’s aviation ecosystem—especially with high-tech developments like Garmin’s investment leading the way.

Conclusion: A New Era for Aviation in Arizona

With Garmin’s new aviation facility at Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona is solidifying its place as an aviation powerhouse in the U.S. The state-of-the-art infrastructure, combined with its prime location, ensures that this facility will have a lasting impact on the aviation industry—increasing certification capabilities and facilitating cutting-edge technology development for years to come. For travelers, aviation professionals, and tech enthusiasts, this expansion signals a new era for aviation innovation and travel connectivity in the region.

As Garmin continues to push boundaries with this expansion, the impact will likely be felt beyond the aviation industry, enhancing Arizona’s status as an integral hub for travel, technology, and aviation growth in the U.S. With this level of investment in aviation infrastructure, the future is looking bright for Mesa Gateway Airport and Arizona’s thriving aviation scene.

Image:  Garmin International, Inc.

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