TULUM – México. On October 15, a delegation of 120 business leaders will tour Tulum’s newly constructed airport to assess potential business opportunities, primarily focusing on cargo transport. The head of Empresarios por Quintana Roo, Sergio León, highlighted that while the airport is operational, its customs infrastructure is still in development, a critical factor for beginning cargo transport operations.
León emphasized the importance of the upcoming visit, where executives expect to gain clarity on customs processes, particularly regarding the construction of necessary checkpoints and the legal requisites for moving goods through the terminal. He noted, “What we hope to learn during this visit is when these customs stations will be ready and what requirements must be met to ensure the legal movement of goods. This is essential for ensuring both the inflow and outflow of merchandise.”
The Caribbean region of Mexico has an annual demand of around $12 billion in supplies, of which 60% are imports and 40% are sourced nationally. While air freight currently represents 20% of imports to the region, concentrated mainly at Cancún International Airport, Tulum’s new terminal is expected to increase its share, benefiting not only Quintana Roo but also neighboring states like Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Veracruz, and even Puebla.
Consolidating Infrastructure to Expand Cargo Operations
The challenge now lies in establishing the necessary customs infrastructure to transform Tulum’s airport into a hub for goods transportation. The demand for efficient freight services is evident, especially considering that a significant portion of the region’s supplies are brought in through air cargo, which has seen growing demand in domestic and international markets.
León stressed that consolidating the airport’s customs infrastructure is crucial to providing the region with a competitive edge. “The movement of goods does not just impact Quintana Roo. Cancún’s airport already serves multiple states, and we envision Tulum’s airport playing a similar role,” he explained.
A Regional Gateway for Cargo
As Tulum continues to grow as a global destination, the airport is set to enhance its logistical capacity, positioning it as a key player in Mexico’s air freight network. While Cancún remains the dominant player, Tulum’s strategic location in the heart of the Riviera Maya provides access to a broad network of commercial routes. The upcoming visit is a critical step in shaping the future of cargo transport in the region, with business leaders keen to explore partnerships and new logistics pathways.
Ultimately, Tulum’s airport is poised to support tourism and cater to growing commercial needs, creating economic opportunities for a variety of industries across southern Mexico.
