Tulum’s Lifeline: The 70% Complete Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport

TULUM, Mexico – In a recent announcement, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador shared that the construction of the new Tulum International Airport, named “Felipe Carrillo Puerto,” has reached an impressive 70% completion rate. This development is poised to alleviate the congestion experienced at the Cancún International Airport in Quintana Roo, which currently handles over 500 daily flights.

During a morning press conference held at the National Palace, President López Obrador expressed his optimism about inaugurating the Tulum airport by the end of December this year.

“This is a significant project that will be immensely beneficial because Cancún Airport is operating beyond capacity with over 500 daily flights. We plan to inaugurate it in December, and we already have reservations from both national and international airlines,” he stated.

He added, “We have also evaluated Tramo 5, the Tulum-Cancún stretch, and the progress at Tulum Airport, which has reached approximately 70% completion. That’s why I confidently say we will finish by December.”

Furthermore, President López Obrador outlined his plans for an aerial inspection of the entire Tramo 4, which spans from Cancún to Izamal, followed by a visit to ongoing projects in Mérida, including natural parks like “La Plancha,” as well as new hospitals, agriculture initiatives, and reforestation efforts.

He also emphasized the evaluation of the electrical lines, stating, “Because the train, spanning 800 kilometers from Mérida to Cancún and Chetumal, is electric, we need to ensure the entire line, including the catenaries, is in place. We are also monitoring the progress of two thermoelectric plants to guarantee a stable power supply.”

Additionally, the President assured that the Tren Maya project is progressing well, despite the challenges in sourcing ballast material. “We had to transport the ballast material from Los Tuxtlas as the local stone did not meet the required standards for the Tren Maya’s speed. We moved millions of cubic meters via ships, barges, railway cars, and large trucks, but we now have all the necessary materials for the 1,554-kilometer railway,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, President López Obrador disclosed that on the upcoming Sunday, September 17th, he will undertake a supervisory journey on the Tren Transístmico, departing from Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, and heading towards Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. He clarified that this trip does not signify the official inauguration.

“The train will travel at a slow pace. Why the rush? Let’s take it slow… Imagine traveling on the Tren Maya at 160 or 170 kilometers per hour; there are still welds to be completed on the tracks, and these are special welds, so we need to proceed cautiously,” he emphasized.

He further explained, “The train comes directly from the factory and features cutting-edge equipment, all automated. If any issue arises, it shuts down because it’s in a testing phase. It’s a process. People from Alstom are involved from various locations. It’s a beautiful, modern train, befitting the people of Mexico.”

López Obrador underscored that both the Transístmico and Maya trains require time for full readiness, despite their modern, automated systems and quick response to any malfunctions; they also rely on a dedicated support team. “This falls under the purview of the Navy, so we will await their feedback because there are still ongoing works in the ‘Oreja de Conejo’ canyon. We aim to blaze a trail and continue testing and supervising,” the President concluded.