TULUM, Mexico – Exciting developments are on the horizon for the Mexican Caribbean, promising a significant boost to tourism and economic vitality in the region. Come December, the newly expanded Tulum International Airport will welcome new air routes, enhancing connectivity and facilitating the arrival of travelers. Furthermore, another promising project, the Tianguis Yum Kaax, aims to invigorate the economy in the southern part of the state of Quintana Roo.
The new Tulum airport is a remarkable undertaking led by the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense, with progress currently at 65 percent completion. Its scheduled commencement of operations in December marks a significant milestone in the region’s growth.
This state-of-the-art airport boasts the capacity to accommodate up to 13 wide-bodied aircraft, as reported by El Financiero.
New Air Routes to Tulum
Several airlines have already confirmed their intention to operate routes to Tulum, solidifying its status as a premier travel destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Among them, Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, and Mexicana de Aviación stand out.
Aeroméxico has announced the operation of 14 routes from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Tulum, strengthening the connection between the capital and this tropical paradise.
Viva Aerobus, in a late August announcement, detailed plans to operate 23 weekly flights, connecting Tulum to major cities like Mexico City (AIFA and AICM), Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Travelers can seize this opportunity, with fares starting at just 239 Mexican pesos, plus the Airport Usage Fee (TUA) of 284.55 pesos, making Tulum accessible for as low as 523 pesos, as per Debate.
Mexicana de Aviación, recently resuming operations under the oversight of the Secretariat of National Defense, will make its first destination precisely in the ninth municipality of the Mexican Caribbean. While the exact launch date is still pending, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has promised fares up to 20 percent cheaper than other airlines. Additionally, Mexicana will extend its services to other Caribbean Mexican destinations like Cozumel and Cancún.
American Airlines will increase its flights to Quintana Roo starting in December, driven by growing demand from travelers in Charlotte, Nashville, and Cincinnati. Simultaneously, United Airlines is set to double its seat capacity in Cancún by deploying larger aircraft.
It is anticipated that Quintana Roo will conclude the year with a 4.5 percent increase in flight ticket availability, translating to an impressive 3.8 million additional seats.
Tianguis Yum Kaax
A Catalyst for Economic Revival in the Southern Mexican Caribbean In tandem with the Tulum airport expansion, the Tianguis Yum Kaax will commence operations this December, coinciding with the launch of the transformative Tren Maya.
Spanning nearly 14,000 square meters, this vibrant marketplace will provide space for local businesses, featuring 50,000 open areas for producers, distributors, and consumers. The marketplace will include outlet stores, hotel constructions, offices, warehouses, and much more.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to stimulate the economy in the southern part of Quintana Roo, complementing the region’s newfound accessibility via the new airport. Historically overshadowed by the potential of the northern zone, this revitalization project seeks to create new opportunities and prosperity for the area.
With these exciting developments on the horizon, Tulum and the southern Mexican Caribbean stand poised for remarkable growth, making them a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and economic opportunities.
