According to a study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Tulum International Airport is set to significantly expand its operations starting in November. This expansion could lead to over 1.4 million passengers passing through the airport, marking a major milestone in its growth.
Tayde Mandujano, from the Commercial and Services Management at the Tulum International Airport, highlighted that this increase is mainly due to the addition of new flight routes and more frequent flights, both nationally and internationally. This growth will position the Tulum airport as a critical hub in the region, serving domestic travelers and a growing number of international tourists.
New Routes Set for the Winter Season
The winter travel season will bring a surge in new flights, starting in November, as various airlines begin servicing Tulum from a range of destinations:
- WestJet will launch flights from Calgary and Toronto on November 9.
- Sunwing will connect Tulum to Montreal starting December 2.
- Volaris will add a daily service from Guadalajara beginning December 5.
- Distributed Air Lines is scheduled to commence flights from Frankfurt on December 12.
- Air Transat will introduce routes from Montreal and Quebec on December 19.
- Avianca will offer daily flights from Bogotá starting on December 10.
These new routes are expected to significantly increase the airport’s capacity and connectivity significantly, allowing travelers easier access to the Riviera Maya and enhancing Tulum’s status as an international tourist destination.
Steady Growth in Operations
Mandujano noted that the airport had maintained consistent air connectivity since international operations began in March. Before this, the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) had initiated some services. Since then, the airport has recorded an impressive 457 operations, a 229% increase compared to initial expectations.
This remarkable growth underscores the airport’s strategic importance in Mexico’s expanding tourism infrastructure, especially as Tulum attracts a diverse global audience.
New Airport Hotel to Open Soon
In addition to the expansion in air traffic, a new 132-room hotel operated by Sedena is expected to open by mid-December, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. This new facility will cater to leisure and business travelers, further bolstering the airport’s appeal.
Passenger Traffic Projections
Currently, the airport is on track to handle 900,000 passengers by the end of the year. Still, with the new routes and increased frequency of flights, it is expected to surpass 1.4 million passengers—double the forecasted 700,000 initially.
The growth of Tulum International Airport is an exciting development for the region. The airport’s expansion will not only serve the needs of the increasing tourist flow but will also open up new economic opportunities for the local community and businesses. As the airport grows, Tulum’s position as a premier destination in Mexico is further solidified.
At The Tulum Times, we will continue to provide updates on the progress and developments of Tulum International Airport and its impact on the region’s tourism and economy.
