Oaxaca Airport: Does It Exist And How To Get There?

Oaxaca, Mexico, is served by several airports, including three international airports: Oaxaca International Airport (also known as Xoxocotlán Airport), Huatulco Airport, and Puerto Escondido Airport. Oaxaca International Airport is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb of Oaxaca City, and is the 17th busiest airport in Mexico, receiving over 1.6 million passengers in 2023. It offers both domestic and international flights, with direct flights to over 30 destinations worldwide. The airport is equipped with a single runway and a single-story passenger terminal building accommodating arrivals and departures. Oaxaca's other airports, such as Bahías de Huatulco International Airport and Puerto Escondido International Airport, also provide additional aviation access to the region.

Oaxaca International Airport

The airport is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) and derives its name from the Nahuatl word "xocotl," meaning "sour or sweet and sour fruit." It serves as the hub for the regional airline Aerotucán and offers passenger services for various destinations within Mexico and internationally. The airport has experienced significant growth due to Oaxaca's popularity as a tourist destination.

The passenger terminal at Oaxaca International Airport is a single-story building spanning 7,548 square meters (81,250 square feet). It accommodates both arrivals and departures for domestic and international flights. The departures area includes a check-in zone, security checkpoint, and a departure concourse with various amenities, including a VIP lounge, snack bars, souvenir shops, and eight gates providing direct access to the apron. Passengers can board their planes by walking through open-air walkways. The arrivals section is located at the southern end of the terminal, featuring customs and immigration facilities, baggage claim, and an arrivals hall with car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops.

Adjacent to the terminal are civil aviation hangars, cargo and logistics facilities, and designated spaces for general aviation. The parking facility at the airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options. Additionally, Air Force Base No. 15 (BAM-15) is situated in the southern part of the airport, providing an apron, hangars, and military facilities for Squadron 103, which operates Bell 212 aircraft.

Oaxaca Airport Code

Oaxaca International Airport, officially known as Xoxocotlán Airport, is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb of Oaxaca City, Mexico. The airport code for Oaxaca International Airport is OAX for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and MMOX for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Oaxaca International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Mexico by passenger traffic, receiving more than 1.6 million passengers in 2023. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, offering convenient access for visitors to Oaxaca. It is the hub for the regional airline Aerotucán and serves various other airlines, including Aeroméxico, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Volaris.

The airport is situated at an elevation of 1,521 meters (4,990 feet) above mean sea level and has a single runway designated as 01/19. The runway is 2,450 meters (8,040 feet) long and features an asphalt surface. The airport has a single-story passenger terminal that accommodates both arrivals and departures for domestic and international flights. The terminal includes check-in areas, a security checkpoint, a departure concourse, and an arrivals section with customs and immigration facilities.

Oaxaca International Airport offers various amenities and services for passengers, including ATMs, dining options, car rental services, taxi stands, souvenir shops, and more. The airport is also home to military facilities for the Mexican Army and supports aviation-related activities such as tourism, flight training, and general aviation.

Oaxaca Airport Transport

Oaxaca International Airport, also known as Xoxocotlán Airport, is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb of Oaxaca City, Mexico. It is situated at an elevation of 1,521 meters (4,990 ft) above sea level and has a single runway. The airport serves as a hub for regional and international flights, offering passenger services for both domestic and international destinations.

When it comes to airport transportation, Oaxaca offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your choices for arriving at or departing from the airport with ease:

Public Shuttle Services

Public shuttle vans, also known as "colectivo," offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the airport and Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juárez). This service is available for one-way or round-trip transportation. While it is a shared ride, the shuttle can accommodate up to 10 passengers. It is important to note that the public shuttle will make stops along the route to pick up and drop off other passengers, so it may not be the best option for those in a rush. The rate for this service is typically charged per person and can range from $4.55 to $7.75 USD per person for a one-way trip.

Private Car Transfers

For those seeking a more comfortable and direct option, private car transfers are available for small groups of up to 4 passengers travelling with minimal luggage. This service offers a seamless transfer from the airport to your accommodation or vice versa. The rate for this private transfer is usually charged per vehicle and can be as low as $7.75 USD per person for a one-way trip. It is recommended to book your private transfer at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Private Shuttle Vans

If you are travelling with a larger group or have more luggage, private shuttle vans are also available. These vans can accommodate up to 9 passengers and provide a spacious and comfortable ride. The rate for this service is typically charged per vehicle and can be as low as $4.55 USD per person for a one-way trip. Like the private car transfers, it is advisable to book your private shuttle van in advance to secure your transportation.

Car Rentals

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental services are available at the airport. Weekly rentals with unlimited mileage start at $13 USD per day, making it a great option for visitors who want to explore Oaxaca at their own pace. Car rental insurance coverage and other rules of the road in Oaxaca are important considerations to look into before renting a vehicle.

Taxis

While not mentioned as prominently as the other options, taxis are also available for transportation to and from the airport. The rates and booking procedures for this option may vary.

Booking and Other Considerations

When booking your airport transportation, it is important to provide your flight details, including arrival and departure times. This ensures that the driver can monitor your flight and be present to meet you upon your arrival. Additionally, it is recommended to book your transportation at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee availability. Upon arrival, the driver will typically wait for approximately one hour after your flight lands. If you require more time, you may need to contact the transportation provider, and additional charges may apply.

To locate your driver, look for them in the arrivals hall of the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. It is also important to confirm what is included in the transfer rate, as some companies may charge extra for tolls, tips, or additional stops.

Oaxaca Airport Facilities

Oaxaca International Airport, officially known as Xoxocotlán Airport, is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb of Oaxaca City, Mexico. It is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, receiving 1.6 million passengers in 2023. The airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights, offering convenient access for visitors keen to explore Oaxaca.

Facilities

The airport is equipped with a single runway and an asphalt surface. The commercial aviation apron provides nine stands designed for narrow-body aircraft, while the general aviation apron offers parking for fixed-wing aircraft and heliports for private aviation. The airport has a capacity of 22 operations per hour.

The passenger terminal is a single-story building accommodating arrivals and departures for both domestic and international flights. The departures area features a check-in zone, security checkpoint, and a departure concourse with a VIP lounge, snack bars, souvenir shops, and eight gates providing direct access to the apron. The arrivals section includes customs and immigration facilities, baggage claim, and an arrivals hall with car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops.

Adjacent to the terminal are civil aviation hangars, cargo and logistics spaces, and designated areas for general aviation. The parking facility provides both short-term and long-term parking options.

Dining and Shopping

Dining options at the airport are limited but include a full-service restaurant called Recuerdame, a snack bar called Snack Bar Café y Cacao, and a convenience store, Delicatessen Calenda. There are also various shops, including craft shops, a sunglasses store, and a fashion accessories store.

Oaxaca Airport Military Use

Oaxaca International Airport, officially known as Xoxocotlán Airport, is located in the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb of Oaxaca City, Mexico. It is situated at an elevation of 1,521 meters (4,990 ft) above sea level and has a single runway. The airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights, offering passenger services to various destinations.

In addition to its civilian functions, the Oaxaca Airport also has a significant military presence. The airport hosts military facilities for the Mexican Army and is adjacent to Air Force Base No. 15 (BAM-15). This air force base is situated in the southern part of the airport and provides military support for Squadron 103, which operates Bell 212 aircraft. The base features an apron measuring 5,950 square meters (64,000 sq ft) and includes two hangars.

The military's involvement at the Oaxaca Airport extends beyond just its own facilities. The airport also supports various aviation-related activities, such as flight training, tourism, executive travel, and general aviation. This dual civilian-military use of the airport reflects a broader trend in Mexico, where the government has been transferring control of airports to the military. As of 2024, the military oversees and controls 31% of Mexico's airports, including those in key states like Quintana Roo, Oaxaca, and San Luis Potosí.

The Oaxaca Airport has experienced rapid growth in recent years, largely due to the region's popularity as a tourist destination. This growth has been accommodated by the airport's infrastructure, which includes a single-story passenger terminal building, civil aviation hangars, cargo and logistics facilities, and designated spaces for general aviation. The airport has the capacity to handle up to 22 operations per hour and offers convenient transportation options to and from Oaxaca City, located just 13.5 km away.

Frequently asked questions