Nicaragüense de Aviación (NICA) is a commercial airline based in Nicaragua. Its service hub is the Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, previously known as the Managua International Airport. The commercial airline was a full associate member of the Grupo TACA alliance of El Salvador. In 2004, the airline ceased operations under its commercial brand "NICA" and merged with the Salvadorian airline. Domestic flight duties were given to Nicaragua's domestic flag carrier, La Costena, who also joined the TACA Regional alliance. La Costena, however, differs from NICA because it still operates under its company name.