In a move that underscores the shifting dynamics of regional air travel, Avianca has announced it will suspend its Bogotá-to-Tulum route effective June 16. The decision, confirmed by the airline last week, marks the end of a service that has connected Colombia’s capital to the Mexican coastal destination since late 2022. According to Cirium data, the route operated twice weekly, with an average seat occupancy of 72% during its first year—a figure that reflects steady demand but fell short of the carrier’s projections. While the suspension may disrupt some travelers’ plans, industry analysts suggest the change highlights broader challenges in balancing seasonal demand with operational costs.
Why Avianca Is Grounding the Route
Avianca cited “strategic adjustments to optimize our network” as the primary reason for halting the Bogotá-Tulum flights. The airline emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, noting that fluctuating tourism patterns and rising fuel expenses played a role. “We remain committed to Mexico as a key market,” a company representative stated, pointing to Avianca’s continued operations in Cancún and Mexico City. For Tulum, the suspension leaves a temporary gap in direct connectivity with South America, though other carriers, including Aeroméxico and Volaris, continue to serve the region from additional hubs.
Local Businesses Adapt to Changing Skies
While the news may concern travelers, Tulum’s hospitality sector appears resilient. Diego Martínez, owner of a boutique hotel near the town center, shared that while Colombian visitors made up nearly 15% of his clientele last year, he’s already seeing increased interest from European and Canadian markets. “Diversification has always been our strength,” he remarked. “This isn’t our first challenge—remember the sargassum season of 2019? We adapted then, and we’ll adapt now.” His sentiment echoes across local tour operators and restaurants, many of which are pivoting to target emerging visitor demographics.
Alternative Routes and Future Possibilities
Travelers originally booked on Avianca’s discontinued flights are being reaccommodated on partner airlines or offered refunds. For those still planning trips, Aeroméxico’s daily Cancún-bound flights from Bogotá—with a 90-minute ground transfer to Tulum—remain a viable option. Meanwhile, Volaris has hinted at expanding its Mexico City-Tulum services later this year, potentially filling the connectivity void. Avianca hasn’t ruled out reinstating the route in the future, particularly if Mexico’s ongoing infrastructure investments, such as the Maya Train project, boost regional accessibility.
A Silver Lining for Sustainable Travel?
Some environmental advocates view the route reduction as an opportunity. “Fewer flights mean lower immediate carbon emissions,” said Luisa Herrera, a coordinator with Green Mobility Mexico. She urges travelers to consider slower, multi-destination itineraries using intercity buses or shared shuttles, which align with Tulum’s growing emphasis on eco-conscious tourism. While not a perfect solution, Herrera believes such shifts could inspire more mindful travel habits without sacrificing economic vitality.
As Tulum continues to evolve, its ability to navigate these changes—while maintaining its identity as a cultural and ecological hotspot—will depend on collaboration between airlines, local businesses, and visitors. What strategies would you suggest to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting sustainable growth? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or Facebook using #TulumTravel.
