Tulum's Airport Status: Flights And Future Plans

Tulum, a town on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, has long been a popular tourist destination. However, getting there has traditionally been a lengthy journey, often requiring a flight to Cancún and then a two-hour drive. But now, travellers can fly directly to Tulum International Airport, also known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. The airport, which opened in December 2023, is located about 20 miles from Tulum and serves both domestic and international flights.

Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL)

The airport is constructed and operated by the Mexican army, and it spans 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) at an elevation of 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level. It features a passenger terminal, a 3,700-meter (12,100-foot) runway, an apron with 13 aircraft stands, and a 70,000-square-metre (750,000-square-foot) passenger terminal. The terminal provides standard services, including check-in and departure areas, security checkpoints, baggage claim, taxi stands, and car rental services. The airport also hosts an Executive Aviation Terminal with dedicated facilities for general aviation.

Tulum International Airport currently handles more than 10 domestic and international airlines, with direct flights from over 15 cities. Some of the airlines serving the airport include Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport has a capacity of up to 5.5 million passengers annually.

The opening of Tulum International Airport has made travelling to Tulum more convenient, reducing the previous two-hour journey from Cancun. However, the airport has faced challenges such as limited transportation options and high taxi rates. It is expected to boost tourism in the region and is part of the Mexican government's strategy to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects.

Airlines that fly to Tulum Airport

Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL) is located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, officially named Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, opened on 1 December 2023, and has been serving both domestic and international flights since.

The airport currently has more than 10 domestic and international airlines operating, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights to Tulum. The first official international flight from the United States landed on 28 March 2024.

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

This list is not exhaustive, and there are currently more than 12 different airlines operating flights to and from Tulum International Airport.

Transport options from Tulum Airport

Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL), is located around 20 miles southwest of Tulum. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, offers both domestic and international flights. Here are some transport options to and from the airport:

Private Shuttle

Private shuttle services are available for transport to and from Tulum Airport. The price of a one-way shuttle trip to Tulum Centro ranges from $176 to $199, while trips to the Hotel Zone, where most resorts are located, can cost between $199 and $221. Booking through your resort might be slightly more expensive, with reported prices of around $230 for a one-way trip.

Taxi

Taxis are available at the airport, with rates to Tulum Centro or the Hotel Zone typically ranging from $70 to $110. However, it is important to note that taxi rates can be high, and there have been reports of a surprise airport pickup fee imposed by the government, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

Bus

The ADO Bus service offers a more affordable option, with a 40-minute bus ride to Tulum Centro for 220 pesos, or about $12. This is a cheaper alternative to the ADO bus from Cancún's airport, which costs about $10 more.

Rental Car

Car rental services are available at the airport, allowing travellers to drive to their destination. This option may be convenient for those who prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle.

Train

The Tulum Airport railway station is located next to the airport, offering connections to Tulum railway station, Cancún International Airport, Chetumal Airport, and other prominent tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico. The airport is also expected to be connected to the Maya Train, a government project that will link Cancun, Tulum, and other destinations around the Yucatan Peninsula.

The cost of travel to and from the airport

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO, ICAO: MMTL), is located about 20 miles southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport opened on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight on March 28, 2024.

The cost of travelling to and from the Tulum airport can vary depending on the mode of transportation and your destination. Here are some estimates for transportation costs:

• Taxi: Approximately $70 to $110 one way to Tulum Centro or the Hotel Zone.
• Shuttle: One-way shuttle services offered by the airport range from $176 to $221 to Tulum Centro, and from $199 to $221 to the Hotel Zone. The return trip is cheaper, with shuttles from Tulum Centro ranging from $106 to $128, and from the Hotel Zone ranging from $128 to $151.
• Bus: The ADO bus service offers a cheaper alternative, with a one-way fare of 220 pesos (approximately $12) to Tulum Centro.
• Private Shuttle: A private shuttle arranged through a resort can be more expensive, with a reported cost of $230 one way. This may be due to a government-imposed airport pickup fee, which is meant to cover security, staffing, and other arrangements.

It is worth noting that the cost of transportation from the Tulum airport is generally higher than that of the Cancún airport. Additionally, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not permitted at the Tulum airport due to tensions with local taxi syndicates.

The airport's design and facilities

Tulum International Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located 20 miles southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, spans 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) at an elevation of 20 metres (66 ft) above sea level. It features a passenger terminal, a 3,700-metre (12,100-ft) runway, and an apron with 13 aircraft stands. The runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, and the airport has an annual passenger capacity of 5.5 million.

The 70,000-square-metre (750,000-sq-ft) passenger terminal is a two-story building with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. The ground floor features a spacious arrivals area with a Starbucks, Domino's Pizza, a large convenience stand, and various transportation booths. The upper floor houses the departures concourse, which includes commercial spaces, 13 gates with ramps down to the apron level, check-in areas, and a security checkpoint. The airport's design pays tribute to Tulum's jungle, with decorations and artwork inspired by nature. The building features ample natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, light wood fixtures, and green furniture and accents.

In addition to the main passenger terminal, the airport also hosts an Executive Aviation Terminal equipped with airport lounges and dedicated facilities for general aviation. Future plans for the airport include the construction of an air force base within the airport grounds. The Tulum Airport railway station is located next to the airport, providing connections to Tulum, Cancún, Chetumal, and other prominent tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico.

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