Avianca Cargo moves 21,000 tons during peak Mother’s Day rush

Avianca Cargo concluded the 2026 Mother’s Day season with record-breaking results, solidifying its position as a primary transporter of flowers to the United States. During the season, the airline moved more than 21,000 tons of flowers and accounted for 42% of Colombian flower exports to the U.S.

This performance marks the largest Mother’s Day season in the company’s history. Including shipments from Ecuador, at least one out of every three flowers exported from the region reached its destination aboard Avianca Cargo aircraft.

To meet increased seasonal demand, Avianca Cargo operated more than 330 cargo flights, surpassing the number of flights operated in 2025. The operation was supported by a fleet of nine dedicated freighters, two more than the previous year, as well as additional leased capacity, allowing the company to meet demand without disrupting service across other markets.

“Miami-Dade County continues to be home to America’s largest gateway for fresh flowers, where more than 1,500 tons of stems have been arriving daily this year for Mother’s Day,” said Daniella Levine Cava. “As MIA continues to rise as a global cargo hub — now ranked #3 in the world for total freight — our strong partnerships with leading cargo airlines like Avianca and the dedicated support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection help ensure millions of blooms safely and efficiently reach moms across the country in time for the holiday.”

© Avianca Cargo

During a typical week, about 30 percent of Avianca Cargo’s capacity is dedicated to flower transportation. During the Mother’s Day season, that figure increased to 42 percent, underscoring the importance of this period for the floriculture industry.

Avianca Cargo also maintained strong market positions on key routes, including an estimated 65 percent share on Medellín to Miami and approximately 35 percent on Bogotá to Miami. The airline also expanded its reach to the U.S. West Coast by increasing its Los Angeles operation from three to five weekly frequencies compared with the 2025 Mother’s Day season, further improving access to that market.

“As families prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, our agriculture specialists and frontline officers are working tirelessly to help ensure flowers arriving into the United States are safe from harmful pests and plant diseases,” said Daniel Alonso, Director of Field Operations (СВР). “I’m incredibly proud of our workforce and their commitment to protecting America’s agriculture while helping families enjoy this meaningful holiday with peace of mind.”

Source: Air Cargo Week