Roberta Aguirre
Cancún International Airport, with the call sign CUN, is located near pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and archaeological sites. It is easily accessible from almost every major city in the world, with direct flights from over 40 cities in the United States and more than 20 cities in Europe. The airport operates more than 500 flights per day and was ranked the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers in 2021. Cancún International Airport has undergone significant expansion, including the addition of Terminal 2 in 2014 and a substantial expansion of Terminal 3 in 2016, enhancing its capacity and commercial offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cancun International Airport |
| Location | Carretera Cancun-Chetumal KM 22 Cancun, Q.R. |
| Phone Number | +52 (998) 980 06 01 |
| [email protected] | |
| Average Daily Flights | 500+ |
| Airlines | Major international airlines and charter companies |
| History | Established in 1975, the airport initially operated on a rudimentary runway with a wooden control tower until 1973. |
| Milestones | First airport in Mexico to welcome the Airbus A380 in 2013. |
| Ranking | 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers in 2021. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cancun Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers
- The airport has welcomed over 40 cities in the US and 20+ in Europe
- Cancun Airport operates more than 500 flights per day
- The airport has a replica of its first control tower, made from wood and reeds
- Cancun Airport offers currency exchange, ATMs, hotels and local banks (and phone and email contact)
Cancun Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers
Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers. In 2021, it was ranked 10th by the Airports Council International in their Top 10 Busiest Airports Worldwide 2022 publication. The airport saw a rapid recovery from the pandemic, finishing 2021 just 19.7% below its pre-pandemic traffic levels. In 2023, the airport handled approximately 32.75 million passengers, with a slight decrease to 30.6 million in 2024, of which 20.1 million were international passengers.
Cancún International Airport is located in the Cancún Metropolitan Area in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is the country's second busiest airport and the largest in Mexico and Latin America for international passengers. The airport serves as the primary gateway to the Mexican Caribbean, Riviera Maya, and Yucatán Peninsula. It offers flights to over 100 cities across the Americas and Europe, with direct flights from more than 40 cities in the United States and 20 cities in Europe. On average, the airport operates more than 500 flights per day.
The airport's history dates back to 1942 when it was established to support the region's chewing gum industry. The early airport had a rudimentary runway and a control tower made from wood and reeds, which remained operational until 1973. In the early 1970s, the Mexican government, in collaboration with the National Tourism Development Fund (FONATUR), transformed Cancun into a major tourist destination. The new Cancún International Airport was constructed, and its inaugural commercial flight took place on May 12, 1975, attracting international attention.
Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and transformation. In 2005, ASUR invested $150 million in constructing Terminal 3, which was inaugurated in 2007. In 2009, a new runway and Latin America's tallest control tower were unveiled, doubling the airport's passenger handling capacity. Terminal 2 was added in 2014, and Terminal 3 was expanded by 76,000 square meters in 2016, introducing six new gates and additional commercial areas. These expansions aimed to accommodate the growing annual capacity, raising it from 6 million to 10 million.
Cancún International Airport is easily accessible and offers a range of facilities for travellers, including currency exchange, ATMs, hotels, shops, restaurants, and ground transportation options. It has become a major destination for U.S. and Canadian mainline airlines and is the airport outside the U.S. with the most destinations served in the United States.
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The airport has welcomed over 40 cities in the US and 20+ in Europe
The Cancun International Airport, with the call sign CUN, has become a major international hub, welcoming flights from over 40 cities in the United States and 20 or more in Europe. This remarkable feat is a testament to the airport's strategic development and expansion initiatives.
Located near pristine beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and intriguing archaeological sites, Cancun emerged as a prominent tourist destination in the early 1970s due to a concerted effort by the Mexican government and the National Tourism Development Fund (FONATUR). Recognizing the area's potential, substantial investments were made in infrastructure, including the construction of the new Cancun International Airport.
The airport's inaugural commercial flight took place on May 12, 1975, and it quickly captured the attention of international tourists. Over the years, Cancun Airport has served as a hub for several airlines, including Mexicana, Interjet, and Aladia, facilitating both domestic and international connections.
The airport has undergone significant expansion, with Terminal 2 opening in 2014 and a substantial 76,000-square-metre expansion of Terminal 3 in 2016, adding six gates and commercial areas. In 2013, Cancun Airport became the first in Mexico to welcome the Airbus A380, marking a milestone in its history.
Today, Cancun Airport operates more than 500 flights per day, with direct flights from major cities worldwide. It was ranked the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers in 2021, solidifying its position as a leading global aviation hub.
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Cancun Airport operates more than 500 flights per day
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of the world's busiest airports, operating more than 500 flights per day. It is easily accessible from almost every major city in the world, including over 40 cities in the United States and 20 cities in Europe. The airport is located less than 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) southwest of the tourist complex and boasts an elevation of 6 metres (20 feet) above sea level.
CUN has been a major tourist destination since the early 1970s, when the Mexican government collaborated with the National Tourism Development Fund to transform Cancun into a world-class tourist hub. The airport's strategic location near pristine beaches, natural landscapes, and archaeological sites made it a desirable destination for travellers worldwide.
To accommodate the growing number of passengers, the airport has undergone significant expansions over the years. In 2013, it became the first airport in Mexico to welcome the Airbus A380, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Air France and the 15th anniversary of ASUR, the airport operator. The following years saw the addition of Terminal 2 and a significant expansion of Terminal 3, introducing six gates and more commercial areas.
The airport features two parallel operative runways that can accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. It comprises three terminals dedicated to scheduled flights (Terminals 2, 3, and 4), one terminal for charter flights (Terminal 1), and an FBO terminal, offering the highest number of passenger terminals in Mexico. Terminal 1, the oldest terminal, exclusively serves charter and private flights, while Terminal 2 handles domestic and international flights.
Cancun International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers, including currency exchange, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and rental car services. It also has several lounges throughout its terminals, accessible through membership programs or day passes. The airport provides a convenient and efficient travel experience, with recent renovations improving border control wait times.
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The airport has a replica of its first control tower, made from wood and reeds
Cancún International Airport's first control tower was constructed from wood and reeds. This early airport, initially established in 1942, operated on a rudimentary runway, with the wooden control tower remaining in operation until 1973. In 1976, the tower was dismantled to make way for a new airport, Avenida Kabáh, and Boulevard Colosio.
A replica of the original tower was first built in 2002 with a donation by Aerocaribe Airlines, but it was damaged after Hurricane Wilma hit Cancun in 2005. Following pleas from locals, the tower memorial was rebuilt, and a new replica was raised in 2010. This replica stands near the city's entrance, close to the original tower's location, commemorating the history of the airport.
The replica tower is a symbol of the city's short modern history, representing the transformation of Cancun from a sparsely inhabited area into a world-class tourist hub. The tower is also significant in creating a Cancunense identity, as the city's population is diverse and mostly immigrant. The wooden structure stands as a memorial to the early days of the airport and the town, serving as a reminder of the rapid development and growth that Cancun has experienced over the years.
The replica tower is located on the main road to Cancun Airport, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, which was the exact place where control operations were carried out for the old Cancun Airport. This memorial is an important reminder of the town's history, as the current airport has undergone subsequent expansions and renovations, including the construction of Latin America's tallest control tower in 2009.
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Cancun Airport offers currency exchange, ATMs, hotels and local banks (and phone and email contact)
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is a bustling hub, ranked as the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers in 2021. With such a high volume of travellers, the airport is well-equipped with essential services, including currency exchange, ATMs, nearby hotels, and local banks.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Cancun Airport provides convenient options for currency exchange and ATM services. Terminal 2 houses the airport's only bank, Banco Santander, located in the national arrivals area, along with three ATMs. Terminals 3 and 4 also offer a currency exchange service operated by CIBanco, allowing travellers to easily convert Mexican pesos to their desired currency. Additionally, ATMs are available in Terminal 3 on both the upper and lower levels, providing easy access to cash. It is important to note that transactions through ATMs may be subject to fees, so checking with your card issuer beforehand is recommended.
Hotels
For travellers seeking accommodation near the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Cancun Airport is conveniently located within walking distance of Terminals 2 and 3.
Local Banks
For more comprehensive banking services, HSBC is located just 2.9 miles from the airport in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Their contact number is +52 800 712 4825, and they are open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, remaining closed on weekends.
Contact Information
The Cancun International Airport website provides contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses. It is important to note that the listed phone numbers are for the administrative offices and are for use in Spanish only. For specific information regarding airline, flight, customs, or immigration, it is recommended to contact the respective airline, customs office, or relevant entities directly.
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Frequently asked questions
The call sign for Cancun International Airport is CUN.
Cancun Airport, also known as Cancun International Airport, first opened in 1975 and has since become a major international airport. It was the 10th busiest airport in the world in 2021, operating over 500 flights per day. The airport has undergone significant expansion over the years, including the addition of Terminal 2 in 2014 and a 76,000 square metre expansion of Terminal 3 in 2016.
It is recommended to pre-arrange transportation from Cancun Airport to your hotel or place of lodging. The airport's website provides information on the different transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and private transfers.
There may be limitations on what you can bring into Mexico via Cancun Airport. This includes items such as breast milk, live animals, medicine, cigarettes, and wedding gift bags. Please check with the Mexican customs office for specific information.
The airport tax for Cancun Airport is typically around $48.00 USD per person. This tax is often included in the price of your airline ticket, but it is recommended to check with your airline or ticket to confirm.
