Government Seizes Land for Tulum Air Base and Airport Project
TULUM, México – The federal government has made a significant announcement regarding the expropriation of land for the construction of the Tulum Air Base and International Airport. This decision, published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), marks a crucial step in the government’s efforts to bolster the infrastructure and economic development of the region.
The Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) officially requested the expropriation of the “Chunyaxché and annexes” ejido, encompassing a total of 1,521 hectares in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo. This request, aimed at utilizing the land for the construction of the Tulum airport, was approved and documented in the decree published in the DOF.
Initially, the expropriation plan covered 1,519 hectares. However, in March 2022, Sedena submitted a modification request to the Dirección General de Ordenamiento de la Propiedad Rural, which resulted in an adjusted area of 1,521 hectares.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador explained that this decision aligns with the National Development Plan 2019-2024, which outlines the government’s strategic priorities for addressing public issues. One of the key objectives of the plan is to revive the economy and foster growth, with a particular focus on bolstering domestic markets and employment through sectoral programs.
To ensure fair compensation, the Instituto de Administración y Avalúos de Bienes Nacionales conducted a valuation assessment and determined a total indemnification amount of 433,515,000 pesos.
The ejido members of Chunyaxché were officially notified about the expropriation request on January 4 and November 10, 2022. They were given a 10-day period to express any concerns or interests, but no objections were raised within the given timeframe.
This recent expropriation follows another significant move by the federal government to acquire private properties for the construction of the Tren Maya. On July 7, a decree was issued to expropriate 774,456 square meters of land (equivalent to 77.4 hectares) across various municipalities in Chiapas, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán.
The expropriation of land for the Tulum Air Base and International Airport, in conjunction with the acquisition of properties for the Tren Maya, demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing regional infrastructure and promoting economic growth. While these developments undoubtedly contribute to the nation’s progress, they also raise concerns about land rights, environmental impact, and the preservation of local communities.
As the Tulum region continues to evolve, it is essential for all stakeholders to engage in open dialogue and ensure that sustainable and inclusive practices are followed. The government must prioritize transparency and address the concerns of affected communities to maintain a balance between development and preservation.
