Tulum Airport’s High-Flying Debut
TULUM, México – The Tulum International Airport has soared to new heights, quickly becoming the second most significant hub for domestic passenger movement in Quintana Roo, surpassing the airports of Chetumal and Cozumel. This remarkable achievement reflects Tulum’s growing prominence as a regional travel and economic center.
The Federal Civil Aviation Agency reports that in December, the “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” airport facilitated the travel of 38,878 passengers, with 20,367 arrivals and 18,511 departures. This impressive figure outstripped the Chetumal Airport, which saw 30,141 passengers, and Cozumel, which hosted 22,749 domestic travelers in the same period.
Tulum’s airport operated five domestic routes in December, with the Mexico City route being the most significant, accounting for nearly 60% of the 154 flights. Airlines such as Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobús, and Mexicana operate flights from this airport, connecting Tulum with major cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Santa Lucía, and Tijuana.
Inaugurated on December 1st, the airport boasts a capacity to handle 5.5 million passengers annually in its first phase. This new infrastructure places it as the fourth international airport in Quintana Roo, with Cancún remaining the primary airport for both national and international flights.
Looking ahead, the airport is set to expand its reach. In March, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit, and United are slated to begin operations, as announced by the Government of Quintana Roo.
Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa hails this development as a monumental achievement. Alongside the Tren Maya, these projects are seen as catalysts for attracting greater investment and economic growth in Quintana Roo, projected to grow by 5.1% this year, according to CitiBanamex data.
Governor Lezama Espinosa expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “This is the result of a new agreement that has brought together hundreds of men and women in construction, investors who believe in our state, and all the wonderful people who make our tourism sector thrive. With the support of the Government of Mexico and the largest investment in history in projects like the Tren Maya and the new Tulum Airport, we are advancing towards shared prosperity with social justice.”
Tulum’s airport has also eclipsed the initial performance of the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in the early months of 2022. AIFA moved 14,225 travelers in its first month, followed by a gradual increase to 36,280 by July. In contrast, Tulum’s airport has demonstrated a robust start, a promising indicator of its future success.
The airport currently operates domestic routes to and from key Mexican cities:
- Guadalajara (1,055 arrivals, 956 departures)
- Mexico City (10,409 arrivals, 9,760 departures)
- Monterrey (3,970 arrivals, 3,052 departures)
- Santa Lucía (3,783 arrivals, 3,660 departures)
- Tijuana (1,150 arrivals, 1,083 departures)
The Tulum International Airport’s swift ascent in the aviation sector underscores Tulum’s growing importance as a travel and economic hub. It symbolizes a new era of connectivity and prosperity for the region, paving the way for further development and investment in Quintana Roo.
