TACA Airlines Is Now Avianca
TACA Airlines no longer exists as a separate brand — it merged into Avianca. Here’s what changed and how to book.
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TACA Airlines was a Central American carrier with roots tracing to 1931, historically based in El Salvador and serving as the flag carrier for several Central American nations through a shared ownership structure. Following a 2009 merger agreement with Colombia’s Avianca, the combined company (Avianca Holdings) gradually retired the TACA brand, with the last TACA-branded flights transitioning to the Avianca name by 2013.
TACA Airlines Route Network
TACA no longer operates as a separate brand. Its former Central American routes are now flown under the unified Avianca name, part of the broader Avianca network across Latin America.
Primary Hub
San Salvador International Airport (SAL) — historical
TACA’s historical hub was San Salvador International Airport (SAL) in El Salvador, which continues to serve as a significant Avianca hub for Central American connections today.
Alliance & Partner Airlines
As a retired brand, TACA has no independent alliance status today — its former operations are now part of Avianca, a Star Alliance member.
Baggage, Seating & Onboard Amenities
A quick reference before you pack — always confirm exact allowances on your fare rules at booking, since they vary by route and cabin.
Carry-On & Personal Item
Not applicable under the TACA name — search for your route under Avianca, whose current fare rules now apply.
Checked Baggage
Not applicable under the TACA name — Avianca’s current baggage policies now apply to all former TACA routes.
Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight, oversized, or extra bags typically incur a per-bag fee charged at check-in or online in advance — pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Seat Selection & Cabin Classes
Not applicable under the TACA name — Avianca’s standard Economy and Business Class configuration now applies across the combined fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. TACA merged with Colombia's Avianca starting in 2009, and the TACA brand was fully retired by 2013 as the combined company unified its operations under the Avianca name.
TACA's IATA code was TA, with ICAO code TAI.
TACA and Avianca agreed to merge their operations in 2009 to create a larger, more competitive Latin American carrier, eventually forming Avianca Holdings and consolidating under the single, better-known Avianca brand by 2013.
Effectively yes — the merger fully combined the companies, and TACA's former routes, fleet, and staff were integrated into what operates today simply as Avianca.
TACA's DistanciaTACA frequent flyer program was merged into Avianca's LifeMiles program as part of the broader integration between the two carriers.
Avianca directly absorbed TACA's Central American network, continuing to operate from TACA's former San Salvador hub as part of its unified route map.
No. Since TACA does not operate as a separate airline, you can't book tickets directly with it. Search for your route under Avianca instead.
TACA itself was not, but its successor Avianca is a Star Alliance member, so travelers now get Star Alliance benefits on former TACA routes.
Search for your origin and destination under Avianca, which now operates virtually all of TACA's former Central American network.
There's no indication of this — the brand retirement was a deliberate, permanent step in completing the Avianca-TACA merger integration over a decade ago.
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Ready to Book on Avianca?
TACA Airlines merged into Avianca, with the brand fully retired by 2013. Search current Avianca fares for the Central American routes TACA used to fly.