
There is no major airport in Ensenada, Mexico. The closest airport to Ensenada is the Tijuana Rodriguez Airport, which is approximately 113 km from the centre of Ensenada. Another major airport close to Ensenada is San Diego International Airport, which is 137 km from Ensenada. Ensenada International Airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, is an airport in Ensenada, but it primarily serves military purposes and only facilitates commuter flights within the Baja California peninsula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ensenada International Airport |
| Other Names | Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza International Airport, Air Force Base No. 3, Base Aérea Militar No. 3 El Ciprés, B.A.M. 3 |
| Airport Codes | IATA: ESE, ICAO: MMES |
| Location | Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico |
| Elevation | 20 metres (66 feet) above mean sea level |
| Nearest City | Ensenada |
| Distance from Nearest City | 11 km |
| Ownership and Operation | Mexican Department of Defense |
| Primary Use | Military activities, commuter services, and flight training |
| Year Established | 1942 (as El Ciprés Military Airfield) |
| Year Official Air Force Base Status Granted | 1955 |
| Facilities | Housing units, hospitals, pharmacies, schools, administrative offices, a command center for the Federal Aviation Administration, a base command center, a cafeteria, an airport command center, Immigration and Customs services, workshops for aviation mechanics and electronics |
| Operating Hours | 08:00 to 18:00 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Ensenada International Airport is a military base
- Tijuana Airport is the closest airport to Ensenada
- San Diego International Airport is another major airport nearby
- Ensenada Airport supports commuter services within the Baja California peninsula
- The airport is named after a distinguished Mexican aviator

Ensenada International Airport is a military base
There is no major airport in Ensenada, Mexico. The closest airport to Ensenada is Tijuana Rodriguez Airport. However, there is a smaller airport in Ensenada, known as Ensenada International Airport, which is a military base.
Ensenada International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, is designated as Air Force Base No. 3 for the Mexican Air Force. It was established as El Ciprés Military Airfield in 1942 and became an official Air Force Base in 1955 under the administration of President Ruiz Cortines. The airport is named after Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, a distinguished Mexican aviator who played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution.
As a military facility, Ensenada International Airport provides various facilities for Mexican Air Force personnel, including housing units, hospitals, pharmacies, schools, and administrative offices. The aviation facilities serve as the home of Squadron 106, which operates Cessna 182 aircraft. The airport also includes a command center for the Federal Aviation Administration, a base command center, a cafeteria, an airport command center, immigration and customs services, and workshops for aviation mechanics and electronics.
In addition to its military functions, Ensenada International Airport also facilitates commuter flights within the Baja California peninsula and supports general aviation activities for Ensenada. The airport is situated within the Ensenada urban zone, at an elevation of 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level. It is accessible through its main entrance on Federal Highway 1, also known as the Carretera Transpeninsular (Transpeninsular Highway).
While there were plans during President Calderón's administration to construct a new international airport in Ensenada with an estimated investment of $230 million Mexican pesos, the project did not materialize. Similarly, in 2016, the Baja California State Congress passed a bill for the construction of Ensenada Airport in the Municipality of Ojos Negros, but this project has also not been realized.
Luggage Carts: Standard Airport Feature or Luxury?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Tijuana Airport is the closest airport to Ensenada
Ensenada International Airport (ESE) is an international airport located in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. However, throughout its history, it has primarily focused on military operations. It serves as Air Force Base No. 3 for the Mexican Air Force and facilitates commuter flights within the Baja California peninsula. The airport is named after Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, a distinguished Mexican aviator who played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution. It was established as El Ciprés Military Airfield in 1942 and officially became an Air Force Base in 1955.
The airport is situated at an elevation of 66 feet (20 metres) above sea level and is accessible through its main entrance on Federal Highway 1, also known as the Carretera Transpeninsular (Transpeninsular Highway). It features a single asphalt runway, measuring 4,892 feet (1,491 metres), and multiple aprons catering to both military and general aviation. Adjacent to the apron and hangars are facilities including a command centre for the Federal Aviation Administration, a cafeteria, immigration and customs services, and workshops for aviation mechanics.
For those travelling to Ensenada from international destinations, San Diego International Airport is another option, located 68 miles (110 kilometres) north of Ensenada.
Murcia Airport Delays: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

San Diego International Airport is another major airport nearby
There is no major airport in Ensenada, Mexico. The closest airport to the city is Tijuana Rodriguez Airport. However, San Diego International Airport is another major airport nearby.
San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area, in the U.S. state of California. The airport is located three miles (4.8 km; 2.6 nmi) northwest of downtown San Diego. It covers 663 acres (268 ha) of land and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. It is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is serviced by 17 major and commuter airlines, including nonstop flights from Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the UK. The airport is managed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and receives more than 20 million passengers a year.
The airport was built and operated by the City of San Diego through the sale of municipal bonds to be repaid by airport users. In 1962, it was transferred to the San Diego Unified Port District by a state law. The airport gained international airport status in 1934 and was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. The airport was also a testing facility for several early US sailplane designs and was the site of a national and world record for women's altitude established in 1930 by Ruth Alexander.
In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) was created by California State Assembly Bill 93. The SDCRAA assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002 and changed the airport's name from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport in 2003. The airport has since undergone several expansions and improvements, including the addition of new terminals, gates, security areas, and an expanded concession area.
The airport offers easy access to the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) via the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), a secure border-crossing pedestrian bridge that allows visitors to fly in and out of Tijuana, Mexico, without the long lines at the international border. San Diego International Airport provides a convenient and well-connected option for travellers heading to the Ensenada region, with various transportation options available, including shuttle buses, taxis, and rental cars.
Spokane International Airport: A Traveler's Guide to Spokane, Washington
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Ensenada Airport supports commuter services within the Baja California peninsula
The city of Ensenada in Mexico is served by the Tijuana Rodriguez Airport (TIJ), which offers both international and domestic flights and is approximately 113 km from the city centre. However, there is also an airport within the city of Ensenada itself, known as Ensenada Airport or Ensenada International Airport (ESE). This airport is situated within the Ensenada urban zone and is accessible via the Carretera Transpeninsular (Transpeninsular Highway).
Ensenada Airport is designated as Air Force Base No. 3 for the Mexican Air Force and serves both military and civilian aviation purposes. The base provides various facilities for Mexican Air Force personnel, including housing, hospitals, schools, and administrative offices. Squadron 106, which operates Cessna 182 aircraft, is based at this airport.
In addition to commuter flights and military activities, Ensenada Airport facilitates air taxi services and general aviation activities for the region. The airport is operated by the Mexican Department of Defense and is situated at an elevation of 20 metres (66 feet) above sea level. Despite its functionality, Ensenada Airport has not replaced Tijuana's airport as the primary gateway to the region for international and domestic travellers.
Ory Airport: Paris' Gateway to the South
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The airport is named after a distinguished Mexican aviator
The closest airport to Ensenada, Mexico, is Tijuana International Airport (TIJ/MMTJ), which is approximately 113 km from the city centre. However, there is an airport in Ensenada, known as Ensenada International Airport (ESE/MMES) or Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza. This airport primarily serves military functions, as well as commuter flights within the Baja California peninsula and general aviation activities.
The airport is named after Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, a prominent Mexican aviator who made significant contributions during the Mexican Revolution. Established in 1942 as El Ciprés Military Airfield, it officially became an Air Force Base in 1955 under President Ruiz Cortines' administration. Today, it is designated as Air Force Base No. 3 for the Mexican Air Force and is operated by the Mexican Department of Defense.
Alberto L. Salinas Carranza, a distinguished aviator, is honoured by having this airport bear his name. His contributions to Mexican aviation and his role in the country's revolution are commemorated through this recognition.
While the airport primarily serves military purposes, it also facilitates civilian aviation. It provides commuter flights within the region and supports general aviation endeavours. The airport is situated within the Ensenada urban zone, at an elevation of 20 metres above mean sea level. It is accessible via Federal Highway 1, also known as the Carretera Transpeninsular or Transpeninsular Highway.
Columbus, Mississippi: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is an airport in Ensenada, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza (Gral. Alberto L. Salinas Carranza International Airport) or Ensenada International Airport. It is located within the Ensenada urban zone and serves as a military facility as well as facilitating commuter flights within the Baja California peninsula.
The closest major airport to Ensenada is Tijuana International Airport (TIJ / MMTJ), which is 113km from the centre of Ensenada and offers both international and domestic flights.
Other nearby airports include San Diego International Airport (137km from Ensenada), McClellan-Palomar Airport (182km from Ensenada), Imperial County Airport (261km from Ensenada) and General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport (291km from Ensenada).
Ensenada Airport is a military base, providing housing units, hospitals, pharmacies, schools and administrative offices for Mexican Air Force personnel. The airport also has a command centre for the Federal Aviation Administration, a cafeteria, immigration and customs services, and workshops for aviation mechanics and electronics.




























