Merida, Mexico: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Mérida International Airport (MID) is a small to medium-sized airport located in Mérida, Mexico. The airport has been in operation since 1929 and has since become one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, ranking as the ninth-busiest airport in Mexico in terms of passenger traffic. Mérida International Airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Aeromexico, and United Airlines, and offers direct flights to various destinations within Mexico and the United States. The airport provides a range of facilities and services for passengers, including vehicle rental services, currency exchange counters, and a tourist information desk.

Mérida International Airport's history

Mérida International Airport, also known as Mérida-Rejón Airport and coded MID, is located in Mérida, Mexico. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, ranking as the ninth busiest airport in Mexico in terms of passenger traffic, and tenth for cargo and aircraft movements.

The history of Mérida International Airport dates back to its inauguration in 1929 when Mexicana de Aviación introduced the Mérida-Campeche-Ciudad del Carmen-Minatitlán-Veracruz-Mexico City route, operated with a Ford Trimotor aircraft. In 1964, Mexicana de Aviación sold the airport to the Mexican government, and a significant reconstruction of the airport was completed in 1968, replacing the previous facilities. During the 1960s, American Airlines serviced the airport, making it one of the few airports in Mexico, besides Mexico City and Acapulco, to be served by a major airline.

In 1958, a Cubana de Aviación Vickers Viscount was hijacked en route from Havana to Santa Clara, Cuba, and diverted to Mérida-Rejón Airport, where the incident ended. Mérida International Airport has also experienced other notable events, such as an emergency landing declared by an Aeromexico Boeing 737-8JP in 2023.

During the 1990s, the airport became part of the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, marking a significant instance of private concession within this group. This consortium includes several airports in Mexico, such as Cancún, Cozumel, and Veracruz. Over the years, the airport has undergone several modifications and modernizations, notably in 1999, 2011, and 2021, to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

The airport has welcomed notable political and religious figures, including Pope John Paul II, U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and President of China, Xi Jinping. Throughout its history, Mérida International Airport has been serviced by a range of airlines, including Aero California, Aeromar, Aeromexico, American Airlines, and Delta.

Airlines that fly to Mérida

Mérida International Airport (MID) in Mexico has welcomed many distinguished political and religious figures, including Pope John Paul II, U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and President of China, Xi Jinping. The airport is one of the fastest-growing in the country, having surpassed three million passengers in 2022, with that number increasing to 3,699,877 in 2024.

The airport is home to the Mérida Area Control Center (ACC), which is one of four such centres in Mexico. The ACC provides air traffic control services for aircraft operating within the Mérida Flight Data Region (FDRG), which covers the southeastern region of Mexico.

A range of airlines have serviced the airport over the years, including Aero California, Aeromar, Aviateca, Blue Panorama Airlines, Cubana, Delta, Interjet, Mexicana, Neos, Pan Am, Lufthansa, TAR, and Tropic Air. From 1972 to 2005, the airport was the primary hub for Aerocaribe and Aerocozumel, both subsidiaries of Mexicana. More recently, VivaAerobus, Volaris, American Airlines, TAG Airlines, Aeromexico, and United Airlines have all operated flights to Mérida International Airport.

United Airlines offers a range of services and benefits to its customers, including its MileagePlus frequent flyer program, which allows members to earn miles to book award travel and earn travel benefits. United also offers a variety of seating options, such as Economy Plus and United Polaris, which provide additional space and comfort for passengers.

Facilities and services at the airport

Merida International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Crescencio Rejón, is indeed an international airport located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The airport is the eighth busiest in Mexico by passenger traffic, receiving nearly 3.6 million passengers in 2023.

The airport has a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. The passenger terminal is a two-story structure. On the ground floor, passengers can find the main entrance, check-in area, and arrivals section, which includes customs and immigration facilities, along with baggage claim services. Car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops are also available on the ground floor for added convenience.

The upper terminal floor is dedicated to departures and houses a security checkpoint and a 260-metre-long departures concourse. Within this area, passengers can access restaurants, food stands, duty-free shops, and VIP lounges. There are eleven gates (C1-11), with seven equipped with jet bridges for easy boarding.

In the vicinity of the terminal, there are civil aviation hangars, cargo and logistics companies, and cargo services. A dedicated general aviation terminal supports various activities, including tourism, flight training, executive aviation, and general aviation. The airport also features private lounges, providing a quiet space away from the bustling main departures area.

Additionally, the airport offers real-time flight updates, airport transportation, and parking facilities. ATMs and dining options are also available throughout the airport. Merida International Airport is well-equipped to handle a large volume of passenger traffic and provides a range of services to ensure a smooth travel experience.

While there are no accommodations within the immediate vicinity of the airport, nearby hotels like Hotel Plaza Mirador offer convenient alternatives, providing comfortable stays, luggage storage, and business centre facilities.

Distinguished visitors to the airport

Merida International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Crescencio Rejón, has welcomed several distinguished visitors over the years. The airport has seen an impressive growth in passenger traffic, ranking as the ninth-busiest airport in Mexico in 2022 and handling over 3.6 million passengers in 2023.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its inauguration in 1929, and has undergone several modernisations over the years. One notable incident in its history was the hijacking of a Cubana de Aviación Vickers Viscount aircraft in 1958, which ended at the Mérida-Rejón Airport.

Among the notable visitors to the airport have been religious and political leaders, including:

• Pope John Paul II: The head of the Catholic Church visited the airport, reflecting its significance in the region.
• U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush: The airport has welcomed two former American presidents, highlighting its importance in international relations.
• President of China, Xi Jinping: The Chinese leader's visit underscores the airport's role in fostering global connections.
• American Airlines and Mexicana de Aviación: The airport has a long history of serving major airlines, including American Airlines, which began servicing the airport in the 1960s, and Mexicana de Aviación, which introduced the first route to the airport in 1929.

These distinguished visitors underscore the importance and influence of the Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Merida, Mexico. The airport continues to be a significant hub for tourism, cultural exchange, and international relations.

Vehicle rental at the airport

Mérida International Airport (MID) in Mexico offers a range of car rental services, including Alamo Rent a Car and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The process for renting a car typically involves providing a valid driver's license and proof of insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage for damages and injuries.

Alamo Rent a Car, for instance, offers a convenient shuttle service from the baggage claim area to their facility, where customers can obtain their rental agreement and vehicle keys. They also provide an accelerated check-in option, allowing customers to skip the counter lines and use a touch-screen kiosk instead. Fees for additional drivers, fuelling, and optional equipment, such as child seats, may apply.

It is important to note that rental car companies in Mexico typically require customers to have valid liability insurance that covers Mexico specifically. Most auto insurance policies from outside Mexico do not provide this coverage, so customers may need to purchase additional insurance, such as Third Party Liability Protection (TPL), offered by the rental company.

When renting a car at Mérida International Airport, it is essential to review the rental agreement carefully, understand the insurance requirements and coverage, and be aware of any additional fees or restrictions that may apply, such as age-related fees for drivers under 25.

Overall, car rental services at Mérida International Airport provide travellers with the convenience of obtaining a vehicle upon arrival, making it easier to explore the surrounding areas and experience all that Mexico has to offer.

Frequently asked questions