Tulum's Airport Plans: What's The Latest Update?

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO | ICAO: MMTL), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, opened on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight on March 28, 2024. The airport is located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and serves both domestic and international air traffic for Tulum, providing an alternative entry point to the region. The airport has faced challenges such as limited transportation options and high taxi rates, as well as protests from local residents. However, it has also seen a steady increase in passenger numbers and is now accessible from several US cities, including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Tulum Airport's official name and inauguration date

Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, was inaugurated on December 1, 2023. The airport is situated approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

The concept of a Tulum civil airport has been in the works for several years, with bidding for construction contracts set to conclude in 2011. However, the project encountered challenges and was put on hold. It wasn't until 2022 that the project regained momentum when it was announced by the López Obrador administration as an effort to boost tourism in the region, particularly in conjunction with the Tren Maya.

The airport began commercial services on December 1, 2023, operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a holding company owned by the Mexican military. In its first month of operations, the airport handled 39,768 passengers, a number that rose to 1,237,248 by 2024. The airport features a 70,000 square meter terminal and a 3,700-meter runway, making it capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft and handling 5.5 million passengers annually.

The opening of the Tulum Airport has made the region more accessible to travellers, reducing the previously lengthy journey to Tulum, which typically involved a flight to Cancun followed by a two-hour drive south. The airport currently offers domestic flights to various Mexican cities and has plans for further international expansion.

Airlines that fly to Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO | ICAO: MMTL or MMTU), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located south of Tulum, Mexico. The airport opened on December 1, 2023, and received its first official international flight on March 28, 2024.

There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights. The airport features a passenger terminal with standard international airport services, including check-in areas, a security checkpoint, arrivals facilities with baggage claim, taxi stands, and car rental services.

• Aeroméxico
• American Airlines
• Delta
• Spirit Airlines
• Viva Aerobus
• Volaris
• Eurowings
• JetBlue
• United Airlines

These airlines offer direct flights to Tulum from various cities, including Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Orlando, Tijuana, New York, Panama City, and Miami.

The airport is also expected to have a train station connected to the Maya Train, providing easy access to other destinations around the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Cancun, Merida, Palenque, and Bacalar.

Passenger facilities at Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport, officially known as the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located 20 kilometres southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport began its operations on December 1, 2023, and currently serves both domestic and international flights.

The airport features a 70,000-square-metre passenger terminal that offers standard international airport services across two floors, with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. The terminal includes check-in areas, a security checkpoint, baggage claim areas, taxi stands, and car rental services. The departures concourse also houses commercial spaces and 13 gates with direct ramps to the apron level, allowing passengers to conveniently walk to their aircraft.

The airport also has an Executive Aviation Terminal, which includes airport lounges and facilities dedicated to general aviation. Additionally, the FBO Terminal caters to private flights, offering 28 parking spaces, a hangar, and executive-level facilities.

Tulum Airport is easily accessible, with an adjacent railway station providing connections to Tulum, Cancun International Airport, Chetumal Airport, and other popular tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico. The airport is also expected to have its own train station connected to the Maya Train, enhancing travel options within the Yucatan Peninsula.

With a capacity to handle 5.5 million passengers annually, Tulum Airport is a significant addition to the region's infrastructure, providing a more direct route to Tulum and the surrounding areas.

Transport options to and from Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL), opened on December 1, 2023, and currently offers both domestic and international flights.

Transport Options from the Airport

There are various transport options available from Tulum Airport to your destination. Here are some of them:

• Private Transfers: Several companies offer private transfers from the airport to your hotel or resort in Tulum. These can be booked in advance via WhatsApp or email, and can accommodate up to 10 passengers. Popular drop-off locations include Hotel Bardo, Kimpton Aluna Resort, MISTIQ, and Motto by Hilton Tulum.
• Shared Shuttles: Amstar, a leading transportation provider in Tulum, offers shared shuttle services to various resorts and hotels in the Tulum area. Their shuttles make no more than three stops before reaching your destination.
• Public Transport: You can also opt for public transportation, such as buses, from the airport to your destination. The ADO bus service, for example, offers affordable rates for travel between the airport and Tulum Centro.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport, but they can be considered expensive and not safe by some travellers.
• Car Rental: If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to your destination. This option allows you to explore the area at your own pace.
• Train: The airport is expected to have its own train station connected to the Maya Train. Once completed, this train will provide connections to other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun and Merida.

Transport Options to the Airport

When travelling to the airport from Tulum or nearby areas, you can use the same transport options mentioned above, including private transfers, shared shuttles, public transportation, taxis, or rental cars.

It is worth noting that for private transfers and shuttle services, you can book your journey in advance to ensure a smooth arrival or departure. Additionally, when travelling to the airport, it is important to allow sufficient time for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

Tulum Airport's construction and military involvement

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, providing access to the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatán Peninsula. The construction of the Tulum Airport is part of a broader strategy by the López Obrador administration to involve the military in significant infrastructure projects.

The airport project was first announced in 2011 but experienced delays due to funding issues and other factors. Construction finally commenced in 2022, and the airport officially began operations on December 1, 2023, with domestic flights operated by VivaAerobus and Aeromexico. The airport is constructed and operated by the Mexican army, specifically the Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a holding company owned by the Mexican military. This involvement of the military in civilian functions has raised concerns about accountability and transparency.

The Tulum Airport is part of a larger strategy by the Mexican government to engage the armed forces in infrastructure development. This trend of militarization extends to other projects, including the takeover of multiple airports and the Tren Maya. The airport is expected to have its own train station connected to the Maya Train, a government project with an unprecedented cost of $30 billion. The train will connect Tulum with other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, enhancing the region's connectivity.

The opening of the Tulum Airport has significantly improved accessibility to the area, reducing the previously lengthy journey that involved a flight to Cancun followed by a two-hour drive. The airport currently handles a significant passenger volume, with over 1,237,248 passengers in 2024, and more than 10 domestic and international airlines serving the airport. The airport also features an Executive Aviation Terminal equipped with airport lounges and facilities for general aviation. Future plans include the construction of an air force base within the airport grounds.

The construction and operation of the Tulum Airport by the military have had a significant impact on the region's economy and tourism industry. The airport has generated over 14,000 jobs, and the increased accessibility has spurred a real estate boom in the Riviera Maya. The airport has also triggered a construction boom in the area, including the development of luxury homes and resorts. However, the rapid transformation of Tulum from a backpackers' paradise to a hotel-dense tourism hub has raised concerns about overtourism and its impact on the local community and environment.

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