Tijuana's Dual Airport Setup: Efficient Or Excessive?

Tijuana International Airport, officially known as General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is located in the Mexican city of Tijuana, near the US-Mexico border. It is the second-northernmost airport in Mexico, after Mexicali International Airport. Tijuana Airport is unique in that it has a terminal in the US, known as the Cross-Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, which is connected to the main terminal in Mexico via a bridge spanning the border. This allows passengers with a boarding pass to walk between the two countries. With this rare feature, the airport is considered a geographically binational airport. Aside from the CBX terminal, Tijuana International Airport also has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with the former being the old airport terminal that now houses military aircraft for the Mexican Air Force.

Tijuana International Airport's unique cross-border terminal

Tijuana International Airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is located in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. It is situated just 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of downtown Tijuana and serves the wider San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area, home to around five million people. As Mexico's second-northernmost airport, it is uniquely positioned near the Mexico-United States border, making it a geographically binational airport. This feature sets it apart from other airports and enhances its appeal for cross-border travellers.

The airport's Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, which opened on December 9, 2015, is a key component of its binational operations. The CBX terminal is located in southern San Diego, California, just across the border from the main terminal in Mexico. This innovative facility allows passengers with a boarding pass to walk across a bridge spanning the international border, directly connecting them to the main terminal. This convenient access has made Tijuana Airport a popular choice for travellers heading to Mexican destinations, particularly those living in the San Diego area.

The CBX terminal is not just a border crossing but a fully integrated part of the airport's infrastructure. It offers departure and arrival facilities, including check-in desks, immigration, and customs. Passengers flying out of Tijuana can enter the CBX terminal on the US side, clear immigration, and then walk over the bridge to the departure concourses in Tijuana. Similarly, arriving passengers can walk from the baggage claim area in Tijuana directly to the US customs and immigration facilities at the CBX terminal. This seamless cross-border experience makes travelling through Tijuana Airport efficient and safe.

The design of the CBX terminal is just as impressive as its functionality. Conceived by the late Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the terminal features a purple open central courtyard with an ash tree and a reflecting pool, paying homage to vernacular Mexican architecture. The terminal includes essential amenities such as car rental facilities, bus agencies, and food options, ensuring that passengers have a comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The addition of the CBX terminal has significantly enhanced the appeal of Tijuana International Airport, particularly for travellers from the United States. By providing direct access to the airport from the US, it has transformed the way people in the region travel to Mexico. The terminal handled 4,288,000 passengers in 2023, accounting for approximately one-third of all passenger movements at Tijuana Airport. This unique cross-border terminal showcases the innovative approach to airport design and highlights the importance of efficient cross-border travel.

The airport's history and development

Tijuana International Airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is located in the Mexican city of Tijuana, in the state of Baja California. It is named after the former Governor of Baja California and late President of Mexico, General Abelardo L. Rodríguez. The airport is situated just 5km (3.1 miles) northeast of downtown Tijuana and serves the wider San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area, home to around five million people.

The history of the airport began on May 1, 1951, when the Aeropuerto Federal de Tijuana was inaugurated, replacing an older airport located on what is now Aguacaliente Boulevard. The initial passenger terminal was situated on the southwest side of the airport grounds. In 1954, Mexicana de Aviación introduced direct flights from Tijuana to Mexico City, improving connectivity to the region.

During the 1960s, the growing population of Tijuana led to an increased demand for air travel. In 1965, as part of the National Plan of Airports introduced under President Diaz Ordaz, the airport became part of the Government-owned corporation Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). The 1960s also saw the introduction of Operation Intercept, aimed at curbing narcotics flow between the US and Mexico, which resulted in reorienting the runway to reduce incursions into US airspace.

The airport underwent significant expansion in 1970, with the construction of a new, longer runway and a terminal capable of accommodating larger aircraft. This development led to the designation of the old terminal as a Mexican Armed Forces air base, now known as the 'Aeropuerto Viejo' or Old Airport. The rapid growth of Tijuana in the 1970s fuelled further expansions in both terminal and parking areas to meet the escalating demand for air travel.

In the 1980s, the airport once again faced capacity challenges, with both terminal space and passenger parking becoming insufficient. The 1990s marked the beginning of airport privatisation in Mexico, with Tijuana Airport joining the consortium Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico in 1999. This period also saw the airport serving as a hub for several airlines, including Aero California, TAESA, Aerolíneas Internacionales, Líneas Aéreas Azteca, and Avolar.

The turn of the millennium brought further enhancements, with expansion projects undertaken by the airport management under the privatisation concession. These projects included extending concourses A and B, doubling the terminal's capacity, and expanding taxiways to accommodate larger aircraft.

On December 9, 2015, a significant development occurred with the opening of the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge and terminal. This innovative project established a physical connection between the passenger terminal in Tijuana and a new terminal in San Diego, transforming Tijuana Airport into a geographically binational airport. Passengers can now walk across a bridge spanning the US-Mexico border, making it a convenient option for cross-border travellers.

Today, Tijuana International Airport continues to serve as a strategic hub for various airlines, offering connections to domestic and international destinations. With its recent expansions and improvements, the airport is well-equipped to handle the growing demand for air travel in the region.

Airlines and destinations

Tijuana International Airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is a hub for Volaris and a focus city for Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobus. It offers a network of 42 domestic destinations across Mexico, including major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Cancun. The airport also serves as a base for the Mexican Air Force and supports cargo flights, tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities.

As of 2024, the airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with 13,194,900 passengers in that year, and it is the fifth busiest airport in Mexico. It has a capacity of approximately 13 million passengers annually and can accommodate 360 flights per day. The airport has two active passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and the Cross-Border Terminal (CBX).

Various airlines operate at Tijuana International Airport, providing both domestic and international services. Aeroméxico, for example, offers flights to Mexico City, Acapulco, and Tokyo-Narita. Viva Aerobus, another major carrier, provides flights to Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Volaris, the airport's second-largest carrier, operates flights to over 35 domestic destinations, including Cancun and Las Vegas. Other airlines that have served the airport include Interjet, Hainan Airlines, and American Eagle.

The airport's convenient location near the US-Mexico border and its direct access from the United States through the CBX terminal make it an appealing option for cross-border travellers. However, due to its proximity to San Diego International Airport and high taxes for international flights in Mexico, the airport has struggled to retain international destinations.

Ground transportation

Tijuana International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, is located 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of downtown Tijuana, Mexico. It is situated near the Mexico-US border and is accessible from both countries.

The airport offers various transportation options for travellers, including taxis, ridesharing services, car rentals, and buses. Here are some details about ground transportation at Tijuana International Airport:

• Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing options, such as Uber, are readily available at the airport. It is important to note that due to Mexican law, public taxis cannot pick up passengers from the terminal. However, authorised taxi carriers, such as SAAT Taxis Servicio Aeroportuario de Autotransporte Terrestre (SAAT), can be found at the arrivals hall. These taxis provide transportation to any point in the city at a higher price than public taxis.
• Car Rentals: Car rental services are offered by major companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Mex, and National. These services can be accessed from the arrivals area, providing convenience for travellers who prefer to drive themselves.
• Buses: Several bus providers, including Autobuses ABC and Greyhound, operate from the arrivals area of the main terminal. These bus services offer an affordable and accessible option for travellers to and from the airport.
• Shuttle Services: Volaris, an airline that operates at the airport, provides a shuttle service from San Diego, California, to Tijuana Airport. This shuttle allows San Diego residents to make connections within Mexico. However, it is important to note that passengers cannot board this shuttle at the San Diego International Airport. Instead, they need to take a local bus from the airport to the Amtrak Station at 1050 Kettner Blvd in downtown San Diego. Additionally, there is no equivalent shuttle service from Tijuana Airport back to downtown San Diego. Most people who use the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal pay for private vehicles or use ride-sharing services, as there is no public transportation available from CBX.
• Local Bus: The airport can also be reached by local bus from Downtown Tijuana or Zona Rio. The bus fare is $11.00 MXN (approximately US$0.60).

Airport facilities

Tijuana International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, offers a range of facilities to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. Strategically placed information kiosks can be found throughout the Main Terminal and the Cross-Border Terminal (CBT), helping travellers to navigate the airport and find the services they need.

The airport also provides free Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights. For those who need to exchange currency, 24/7 currency exchange services are available in the departures area of the Main Terminal, provided by Globo Cambio and an HSBC bank. There are also multiple ATMs from providers such as Banamex, BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, and HSBC, ensuring travellers can access cash at any time.

Tijuana International Airport also offers special assistance services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These services, which include personal assistance and wheelchair support, should be arranged in advance through the relevant airlines.

The airport features a variety of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, bars, and fast-food outlets. There are also duty-free shops and retail stores for last-minute shopping before flights. For premium passengers, VIP lounges are available in both the Main Terminal and the CBT, offering a comfortable and exclusive environment.

For travellers needing accommodation, there are no hotels directly within the airport, but several nearby hotels offer shuttle services, including Hotel Ticuán, Hotel Palacio Azteca, and Hotel Real Inn Tijuana. These hotels provide amenities such as complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and airport shuttles.

Additional services include a 24-hour pharmacy in the Main Terminal, providing travellers with access to essential medications and health products. Duty-free shops are also available in both the Main Terminal and the CBT, offering a range of goods, from cosmetics and perfumes to alcohol and tobacco.

Frequently asked questions