Cancun Airport: Navigating The Busy Travel Hub

Cancun Airport (CUN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with more than 500 flights and 13 million passengers travelling through it in 2022. It is the 10th busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, and the busiest airport in Mexico and Latin America by international passenger traffic. The airport has been experiencing high traffic and has invested in electronic gates to facilitate faster screening. With its stunning destinations, amazing duty-free areas, and convenient accessibility from major cities worldwide, Cancun Airport is a popular choice for travellers, contributing to its busy nature.

Cancun Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world

Cancun Airport (CUN) is the 10th busiest airport in the world for international passengers. In 2021, it welcomed over 13 million international passengers, according to the Airports Council International (ACI). This placed it behind airports in Dubai, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Doha, London, Antalya, and Madrid.

Cancun Airport's rise to become one of the leading international airports is quite remarkable. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it ranked 61st in the world. Even before the pandemic, however, towns like Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen had contributed to flight demands. In 2021, Cancun Airport was responsible for 56% of domestic flights in January, and it welcomed 93% of the country's international flights. That year, it had a total of 30 million passengers, with 914,893 domestic passengers and 1.9 million international passengers.

Cancun Airport's rapid recovery can be attributed to Mexico's decision to keep its borders open during the pandemic, allowing for a faster recovery of the airline industry. The airport's accessibility from major cities worldwide and its popularity as a tourist destination have also contributed to its high ranking. It is easily accessible from over 40 cities in the United States and 20 cities in Europe. It is a popular destination for travellers from the United States, who account for most of its international passengers.

The airport has a range of amenities, including first-class shops, duty-free areas, famous restaurants, and friendly service. It also has direct flights from major international airlines and charter companies. However, the high traffic has resulted in some challenges, including long lines and crowded conditions. To address this, the airport has invested in electronic gates for faster screening and a new fast-lane system for customs.

It's a fairly big airport with slow baggage belts

Cancun Airport (CUN) is a fairly big airport that has been described as "decently busy". It is one of the busiest airports in the world, with more than 500 flights and 13 million passengers travelling through it in 2022. In fact, it was the 10th busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers in 2021, according to the Airports Council International. The airport is easily accessible from almost every major city in the world, including over 40 cities in the US and 20 in Europe.

The airport is the main gateway to destinations such as the Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. It is also one of two main international points of entry to Mexico, the other being Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). In 2022, Cancun Airport welcomed 93% of the country's international flights and 56% of domestic flights.

Despite its size, the baggage belt process at Cancun Airport is reportedly slow. It is recommended that travellers wear as many clothes as possible to offset the need for extra baggage and opt for carry-on luggage if possible, as some travellers have reported waiting days for their checked luggage to arrive. To avoid stress and anxiety, it is also recommended that travellers arrive at the airport early, as traffic congestion can considerably extend travel time to the airport.

In addition to the large volume of travellers, the airport experience at Cancun Airport can be stressful. There are often long lines for customs, and the process can be confusing for first-time visitors. To expedite the customs process, Cancun Airport has recently introduced a fast-lane system and electronic gates for faster screening. However, the new system can be confusing for travellers, as it involves placing your passport on a scanner, entering an area with gates, and standing on a yellow circle while looking at a camera.

Overall, while Cancun Airport is a fairly big airport, the baggage belt process is slow, and the overall airport experience can be stressful due to high passenger volume and confusing customs procedures. Travellers are advised to arrive early, wear extra clothes, and opt for carry-on luggage if possible to minimise potential issues.

Customs and baggage claim can take a while

The airport is the main gateway to popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. This means that it can be very crowded, and travellers should expect long lines and potential delays when passing through customs and waiting for their baggage. In addition, the airport is not very large, so the high volume of travellers can make it feel even more congested.

To expedite the customs process, Cancun International Airport has recently introduced electronic gates and a fast-lane system. However, travellers should still plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight, especially if they need to return a rental car or navigate heavy traffic. It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours ahead of your flight to account for potential delays.

To make the customs and baggage claim process smoother, travellers can consider packing light and bringing only carry-on luggage. This eliminates the need to wait for checked baggage, which can sometimes be delayed or lost. Additionally, travellers should be aware of any restrictions on what they can bring into Mexico and plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected delays during the customs clearance process. It is also important to keep an eye on your luggage at all times, as theft or scamming by taxi drivers is not uncommon.

The airport has good facilities and is easily accessible

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is easily accessible from almost every major city in the world, including more than 40 cities in the US and 20 in Europe. It is one of the leading international airports in the world, with over 13 million international passengers in 2021, ranking 10th worldwide. In 2022, this number grew to over 13.2 million passengers, and the airport now operates more than 500 flights per day.

The airport has good facilities, including first-class shops, duty-free areas, famous restaurants, and a friendly service. The airport has also invested in electronic gates for faster screening, and a new fast-lane system for passport control. In addition, the Mexican state authority introduced Visitax, which international visitors must pay online before arriving at the airport. This should help to streamline the customs process.

The airport is the main gateway to destinations such as the Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya. It is also just 20 minutes from many hotels and resorts. However, due to its popularity, the airport can be very busy and crowded, and travellers should expect long lines at baggage claim and customs. It is recommended that visitors arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before their flight to account for traffic congestion and potential delays.

Traffic congestion can extend travel time to the airport

Cancun Airport (CUN) is a very busy airport, ranked as the 10th busiest airport in the world in 2021 by the Airports Council International. In 2022, it welcomed over 13 million passengers, and this number is expected to increase rapidly. The airport operates more than 500 flights per day, with direct flights from over 40 cities in the US and 20+ cities in Europe. With its popularity as a destination, it is no surprise that traffic congestion can extend travel time to the airport.

In December 2022, road construction around the airport caused significant traffic congestion, affecting thousands of travellers and resulting in missed flights and delays. The construction was part of a project to optimise traffic flow and expand roads, but it had the opposite effect, with travellers experiencing delays of up to three hours. The congestion was worsened by peak travel season and road works, with travellers advised to allow up to five extra hours of travel time to ensure they did not miss their flights.

Traffic congestion is particularly bad around 4-6 pm, which coincides with rush hour and the end of shifts for hotel staff. It is recommended that travellers allow ample time to reach the airport, with some sources suggesting leaving two to four hours earlier than normally planned. This is especially important when travelling during peak seasons, such as the winter holidays, when the airport and roads are more crowded.

While the situation has improved since the initial construction chaos, it is always wise to take precautions and allow extra time when travelling to Cancun Airport. The Mexican government is working to improve infrastructure, routes to the airport, and transportation systems to accommodate the increasing popularity of the destination. However, travellers should always prepare for potential delays and give themselves a comfortable buffer to reach the airport and avoid missing their flights.

Frequently asked questions