TULUM, Mexico – In the most exciting news to have come out of Mexico since the Maya Train was announced, local authorities have confirmed that Tulum’s long-awaited airport – Felipe Carrillo Puerto International – will finally begin operations this winter.
For the first time in history, international visitors will be able to fly directly to the trendy beach resort of Tulum, without the need to touch down first in Cancun and then proceed to find a ground transfer that would take them to their final destination, which was still a two-hour drive away.
The airport’s opening date had already been set for December 1, but up until now, travelers were eagerly awaiting news of the first international flight routes.
Now, we have three major U.S. hubs that have confirmed they will launch flights to Tulum:
Atlanta To Tulum
One of America’s largest carriers, Delta, renowned for its great connectivity with Mexican destinations, has been the first to announce nonstop flights to this Mayan paradise.
Starting on March 28, 2024, at the end of the peak tourist season, Delta customers can board flights bound for Tulum from the airline’s hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL).
The daily service will operate year-round on a 160-seat Boeing 737-800. Passengers can choose between First Class, which includes a chef-curated meal and premium wine or beer, the signature Delta Comfort+ with complimentary beverages and extra legroom, and the Main Cabin.
What’s truly exciting is that all ticketholders, regardless of the cabin, will have access to 1,000 hours of entertainment via Delta Studio, making the estimated 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 50 minutes journey a lot more enjoyable.
Furthermore, Delta SkyMiles members are guaranteed fast, free WiFi on this route.
Launch-date tickets can be found for as low as US$196 one-way, with First Class seats being predictably more expensive, starting at US$401.
The flight schedule is as follows:
- Atlanta (ATL) to Tulum (TQO): Departs at 11:00 AM, landing at 1:00 PM (daily).
- Tulum (TQO) to Atlanta (ATL): Departs at 2:25 PM, landing at 5:55 PM (daily).
Fort Lauderdale / Orlando To Tulum
The second airline to confirm Tulum flights is Spirit Airlines, officially becoming the first U.S.-based low-cost carrier to offer service to and from Tulum.
For its inaugural flights, Spirit has selected two key cities in Florida known for their strong connection to the wider Mexican Caribbean: Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
Starting in late March 2028, Floridians will have the opportunity to book nonstop flights to their favorite Mexican getaway without the hassle of going through the chaotic Cancun International Airport and booking an additional landside transit.
In a similar approach to Delta, Spirit will be operating year-round daily flights, with ultra-affordable fares starting at just US$149 for a Standard Economy ticket.
Interestingly, launch-date fares are quite high when booking through Spirit’s official website, with the cheapest tickets priced at a steep US$497 one-way. This could be due to the sudden surge in demand for Tulum vacations following the announcement of the Fort Lauderdale and Orlando flights, as well as the anticipated popularity of the town once the Maya Train launches in conjunction with its international airport.
For cost-conscious travelers, it might be a good idea to wait for prices to stabilize or plan your Tulum trip for later in 2024 to benefit from the lower fares Spirit has promised.
The flight schedules for both the Fort Lauderdale and Orlando routes are as follows:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Tulum (TQO):
- Departs at 10:20 AM, landing at 11:35 AM (daily).
Tulum (TQO) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL):
- Departs at 12:05 PM, landing at 3:00 PM (daily).
Orlando (MCO) to Tulum (TQO):
- Departs at 3:00 PM, landing at 6:10 PM (daily).
Tulum (TQO) to Orlando (MCO):
- Departs at 2:55 PM, landing at 6:05 PM (daily).
(*Note: Timetables are still subject to government approval.)
Tulum is undeniably one of the most sought-after and picturesque towns in the Mayan Riviera. Boasting a vibrant resort strip, numerous nightclubs and bars, pre-European colonization Mayan ruins, and stunning white sandy beaches lapped by the turquoise ocean, Tulum is a unique blend of beach and culture in a single destination.
Flight tickets are already available for purchase on all of the aforementioned routes. This exciting development marks a new era for Tulum, making it even more accessible to international travelers and adding another layer of allure to this already captivating destination.
