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The Valentine’s Day flower peak season has seen the number of air cargo charter flights out of Colombia and Ecuador rise rapidly over the last few weeks.

Figures from consultant Aevean show that the amount of cargo charter capacity operating out of key flower hubs Bogotá and Quito increased from 19% of overall cargo capacity from the two airports in week one of 2026 to 45% in week six as demand for flowers ramped up.

The figures also suggest an increase in overall demand out of the two hubs, with weekly cargo capacity up 16% year on year in week six to 30,000 tonnes. In week one, capacity was up by 1% year on year.

The increased capacity is reflected in Avianca Cargo’s flower demand levels on routes between Latin America and the US.

Earlier this week, Colombia-headquartered Avianca said that its flower volumes over the 22-day Valentine’s period were up 6% year on year to more than 19,000 tons – its highest in five years.

The carrier operated a total of almost 320 cargo flights during the season, moving flowers from Ecuador and Colombia to its US stations in Miami and Los Angeles.

The airline said that to meet the surge in demand, it had increased its workforce by more than 30%, doubled its cargo capacity from Colombia and tripled its capacity from Ecuador.

Meanwhile, LATAM Cargo moved 24,300 tons of flowers from Colombia and Ecuador to the US and Europe. This was slightly down on the 25,000 tons the airline reported in 2025.

Of the total volume transported, approximately 12,000 tons originated in Ecuador, while more than 12,300 tons were shipped from Colombia. The group deployed approximately 430 flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and Quito.

Of the total volume transported, approximately 12,000 tons originated in Ecuador, while more than 12,300 tons were shipped from Colombia. The group deployed approximately 430 flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and Quito.

Avianca Cargo records increase in Valentine’s Day flower volumes

Love is in the air as flower volumes blossom for air cargo