TULUM, Mexico – The countdown to Tulum International Airport’s grand opening in December 2023 has travelers and aviation enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Notably, the airport has now been bestowed with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) code, a crucial marker for future travelers planning to jet off to this picturesque corner of Mexico.
The Mexican army is diligently at work, erecting this state-of-the-art airport to cater to the Yucatan Peninsula’s surging travel demands, and in doing so, alleviate the burgeoning congestion issues at Cancun International Airport. Already, major airlines like Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus have unveiled their inaugural flight routes, laying the foundation for Tulum International’s promising future.
In a recent development, Tulum International has been assigned the IATA code ‘TQO,’ as confirmed by the airline association via its official website. Additionally, the airport has secured its International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code, ‘MMTU.’
As the airport gears up for its grand unveiling, airlines are gearing up to utilize the ‘TQO’ code, incorporating it onto their boarding passes to provide travelers with seamless identification. For air traffic controllers and pilots, however, the ICAO code, ‘Mike, Mike, Tango, Uniform,’ will remain the preferred choice for operational purposes.
The allocation of IATA codes to new airports has always piqued curiosity among aviation enthusiasts. Some airports worldwide boast quirky and amusing codes like ‘OMG,’ ‘LOL,’ ‘YUM,’ ‘PEE,’ ‘FUN,’ and even ‘DOG.’ On the flip side, others have acquired iconic status, transcending the aviation realm to become household names, including ‘JFK,’ ‘LHR,’ and ‘LAX.’
In Tulum’s case, many might have expected the IATA code to reflect its name, perhaps ‘TUL’ or ‘TLM.’ However, neither option was feasible due to prior allocations. ‘TUL’ belongs to Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma, USA, while ‘TLM’ corresponds to Zenata – Messali El Hadj Airport, located northwest of Tlemcen in Algeria.
Excitement for Tulum International Airport is palpable, with domestic carriers Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus quick to express their interest in serving this upcoming travel hub from the get-go.
Starting from December 1, Viva Aerobus will embark on daily flights to ‘TQO’ from major Mexican cities, including Mexico City (both Mexico City International – MEX – and Felipe Ángeles – NLU – airports), Guadalajara (GDL), Monterrey (MTY), and Tijuana. This ultra-low-cost carrier plans to offer three weekly flights to Tulum from Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.
Simultaneously, Aeromexico is set to kick off its Tulum operations on December 1, boasting 14 weekly flights from Mexico City, deploying its Embraer E190 aircraft for the service.
Adding to the excitement, Mexico’s newest airline, Mexicana de Aviación, is poised to make its Tulum debut in December, utilizing a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Situated in proximity to the enchanting city of Tulum, this new airport not only promises to alleviate congestion at Cancun International but also stands as a testament to the region’s burgeoning development. Tulum International Airport is undoubtedly a game-changer, destined to enhance travel accessibility and elevate the allure of this Mexican gem.
