(SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA) Boliviana de Aviación will launch twice-weekly flights from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Washington Dulles on November 4, 2025, with ticket sales already open and inaugural activities set for August. The route uses a Boeing 737-800 with a refueling stop in Panama City and aims to connect Bolivia’s largest diaspora in the United States 🇺🇸 with home.
Officials say the move fills a long-standing request from Bolivians living in the Washington area and strengthens business, education, and tourism ties. The airline plans Tuesday and Thursday operations through February 24, 2026, then a summer season from June 1 to August 31, 2026.
Key facts you need now
- Start date: Regular service begins on November 4, 2025.
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
- Routing: Santa Cruz (VVI) → technical stop Panama City (PTY) → Washington Dulles (IAD). No passengers can board or exit in Panama.
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, all-economy, about 168 seats.
- Distance and timing: About 4,002 miles with scheduled flying time roughly 9 hours 10 minutes; total onboard time exceeds 11 hours due to the stop.
- Fares: Introductory round-trip fares from US$880.
- Booking: Tickets available at BoA’s site and authorized agents.
Sample schedule
- Outbound OB760: Departs VVI 9:30 AM → Arrives PTY 1:10 PM → Departs PTY 1:50 PM → Arrives IAD 6:40 PM.
- Inbound OB761: Departs IAD 8:05 PM → Arrives PTY 12:55 AM (+1) → Departs PTY 1:35 AM → Arrives VVI 7:15 AM.
What leaders say
Mario Borda, BoA’s general manager, calls the route “a direct answer to our community abroad and a smart step in our growth plan.”
Public Works Minister Edgar Montaño, Deputy Minister of Tourism Hiver Flores, and Deputy Minister of Interior Jhonny Aguilera attended the launch, praising the link for families and tourism. Brian D’Amico, who leads airline business development at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, noted that the Washington region hosts the largest Bolivian community in the United States, making this route a logical addition.
Why this matters for travelers and families
- Diaspora access: An estimated 400,000 Bolivians live in the United States 🇺🇸, many in the Washington region. A same-airline option from Santa Cruz to Washington Dulles means fewer connections, shorter total travel, and simpler baggage rules.
- Business and education: The route connects Bolivia’s economic hub to the U.S. capital—benefiting entrepreneurs, students, researchers, diplomats, and others. The Tuesday/Thursday pattern supports midweek meetings.
- Fares and competition: Intro fares at US$880 may prompt competing deals via Miami, Bogotá, or São Paulo. If demand is strong, BoA could add frequencies or larger aircraft.
Aircraft choice and comfort
BoA will fly the Boeing 737-800 in an all-economy layout without seatback screens or Wi‑Fi. For a long day of travel, plan ahead:
- Download shows or music to your device.
- Bring a small pillow and layer clothing for cabin temperature changes.
- Pack snacks and a reusable water bottle to fill after security.
Industry analysts say using a 737-800 is unusual for this length but helps BoA control costs while wide-body Airbus A330s remain on routes like Miami, Madrid, and Barcelona.
Seasonal plan and future steps
The schedule runs through February 24, 2026, then resumes for a summer season from June 1 to August 31, 2026, aligning with holiday and travel peaks. If load factors rise, BoA could add more days or shift to larger jets. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airline’s broader strategy includes careful fleet use and measured growth in North America.
How to book and prepare
- Search and buy: Use BoA’s website or trusted agents to find Tuesday/Thursday options and the OB760/OB761 flights. Check baggage rules for the Boeing 737-800.
- Plan arrivals: At Viru Viru, arrive at least three hours early for international check-in. In Washington, allow extra time for U.S. immigration and customs.
- Family travel tips: Keep copies of passports, visas, and return tickets. Bring consent letters if one parent travels alone with a child.
- Visa and entry rules:
- U.S. visas: Most Bolivian citizens need a U.S. visitor visa (B-1/B-2) unless they hold another status (student, work). Review official guidance on who needs a visa, interview wait times, and what to bring. See the U.S. Department of State’s page on visitor visas for current rules and steps by selecting “Visitor Visa (B).”
- Returning to Bolivia: Bolivian citizens can reenter with a valid passport. Foreign nationals must check any visa rules for Bolivia before departure.
Immigration paperwork to know
- For U.S. visits, travelers complete entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Dulles. No advance forms are required for tourist entry beyond standard visa and inspection.
- Students and workers must carry their status documents:
- F-1 students: pack the I-20 and keep it signed for travel.
- Workers: bring approval notices and job letters.
- Always check your specific category’s requirements before travel.
Community impact in Washington
Local Bolivian organizations say direct service will make it easier to attend family events, send students home during breaks, and support cultural festivals. Small businesses—Bolivian restaurants and grocers—expect more visitors and smoother supply runs. The Embassy of Bolivia can plan official visits with same-day departures and evening arrivals that fit government calendars.
Critics and questions
Some Bolivian lawmakers argue the airline should prioritize domestic airport upgrades and cut weaker routes to Cuba and Venezuela first. Supporters counter that long-haul revenue and diaspora ties can fund improvements at home. The Washington route will test that balance—early demand, on-time records, and customer feedback on the 737-800 experience will be key.
What to do if you’re planning a trip
- Book early for holiday and summer dates, since the route runs a seasonal pattern after February.
- Pick seats near the wing for a smoother ride on a narrow-body aircraft.
- Confirm the no-stop rights in Panama: you will not be able to board or exit in PTY—plan meals and medications accordingly.
- Track your flight on Washington Dulles’s site for gate updates and arrival information.
Official links and contacts
- For airport services and updates at Washington Dulles, visit the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s official page on the IAD site by searching their flight information and passenger services.
- For travel FAQs, schedules, and customer service, use BoA’s official platform.
Looking ahead
BoA has pursued Washington service for more than a decade. With this launch, Washington Dulles becomes only the airline’s second U.S. gateway after Miami, and one of the few U.S. airports with direct service to Bolivia. If the route performs well, expect more choices for the Bolivian community, stronger ties for students and workers, and expanded diplomatic and cultural exchange between Bolivia and the United States 🇺🇸.
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