ULUM, Mexico – Exciting developments are taking shape on the pristine shores of Tulum, as the construction of the much-anticipated “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” airport progresses steadily. Gustavo Vallejo, the head of the engineering corps at Sedena, proudly announces that the project has reached an impressive 65% completion rate, with the grand unveiling scheduled for this coming December.
One of the most remarkable features of this airport is its hydraulic concrete runway, a true engineering marvel and the largest of its kind on the entire peninsula, stretching over a staggering 3,700 meters. This ambitious venture, which broke ground in July of last year, has not only reshaped the local skyline but has also generated over 14,000 direct job opportunities, breathing economic vitality into the surrounding community. Financially, the project remains on a smooth course.
General Vallejo emphasizes the bustling activity across various construction fronts, underscoring the meticulous progress made thus far. “The primary runway is fully paved, with ongoing work on the horizontal signage, main runway electrification, aprons, and taxiways. We are meticulously leveling the safety zones across the entire airspace, finalizing the high-strength concrete placements for taxiways and high-speed exits,” he elaborates.
He goes on to detail, “Construction is now underway on the commercial aviation platform adjacent to the passenger terminal building, capable of accommodating 13 large commercial aircraft. Simultaneously, we’re investing in interior finishes for the passenger terminal, the general aviation area, and the fueling terminal.”
Vallejo also reveals another noteworthy development, the construction of 55 kilometers of electrical lines to power the airport complex, extending from Tulum City to the airport itself, which includes an intermediate electrical substation designed to support urban expansion in that direction.
This massive endeavor calls upon a formidable workforce, with 844 pieces of machinery in operation and an impressive workforce of nearly 8,000 laborers currently engaged in the various aspects of construction.
Once inaugurated in December by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the new Tulum airport is poised to handle up to five million passengers annually, thus alleviating congestion at the neighboring Cancún airport. The prospect of the new airport has already spurred excitement among various airlines, with industry giants like Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobús announcing flights from different corners of the country.
As the countdown to the inauguration continues, Tulum eagerly anticipates its transformation into a premier aviation hub. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” airport promises to enhance connectivity and open new horizons for both tourists and the local community.