Finding Cabo San Lucas: Airport Options And Travel Tips

Cabo San Lucas International Airport (IATA: CSL, ICAO: MMSL) is an airport located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is a secondary airport to the Los Cabos region, with the larger Los Cabos International Airport situated 32 kilometres to the north. Cabo San Lucas Airport primarily focuses on regional flights within western Mexico, as well as charter and commercial flights to the United States. It is the only privately-owned international airport in Mexico, handling 45,178 passengers in 2021. The airport features a 2,400-metre runway and a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.

Cabo San Lucas International Airport

As a secondary airport to the Los Cabos region, Cabo San Lucas International Airport primarily focuses on regional flights within western Mexico, as well as charter and commercial flights to the United States. It is the only privately-owned international airport in Mexico and serves as the main hub for the regional airline Calafia Airlines. The airport handled 45,178 passengers in 2021 and 40,714 passengers in 2022.

The airport features a single runway, which is 3,042 metres in length and 45 metres wide, capable of accommodating a wide range of aircraft, from small regional jets to large wide-body airliners. The airport's single terminal building handles both domestic and international flights and is equipped with modern amenities, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, currency exchange facilities, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi access.

In addition to passenger services, Cabo San Lucas International Airport also offers a range of transportation options, such as taxis, rental cars, and shuttle buses. The airport operates from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time and has recently undergone enhancements, including the installation of new navigation aids, updated air traffic control equipment, and the addition of a control tower.

Los Cabos International Airport

The airport features a single runway, designated as 16/34, measuring 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) with an asphalt surface. It has the capacity to receive wide-body aircraft and can accommodate 22 narrow-body aircraft in its commercial aviation apron. The airport operates two terminals, with a third terminal dedicated to general aviation activities established in 2008. Terminal 1 is a single-story building for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is a two-story structure for international flights. Both terminals offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, currency exchange facilities, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.

Airlines and destinations

Cabo San Lucas International Airport (IATA: CSL, ICAO: MMSL) is located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is a privately-owned international airport that acts as a secondary airport to the Los Cabos region, with a focus on regional flights within western Mexico and charter and commercial flights to the US.

The airport is a hub for the regional airline, Calafia Airlines, which operates flights to Los Mochis, Culiacan, and Mazatlan, as well as air charters and tours from the Los Cabos area. The airport also offers seasonal charter flights to Los Angeles–Van Nuys, Dallas–Love, Los Angeles, Chihuahua, Hermosillo, Los Mochis, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

For those travelling from further afield, Cabo San Lucas International Airport is accessible via a connecting flight from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is located 23 miles from Cabo San Lucas. Major airlines such as American Airlines, United, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico, offer weekly flights to Los Cabos International Airport.

From the US, Alaska Airlines offers flights to Cabo San Lucas from the following cities:

• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• San Francisco
• Portland
• San Jose
• Las Vegas

Aeromexico also offers flights to Cabo San Lucas from various cities in the US, including:

• Los Angeles
• Seattle
• Atlanta
• Detroit
• San Francisco
• Houston

Airport facilities and services

Cabo San Lucas International Airport is a modern airport located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It serves as a secondary airport to the Los Cabos region, focusing on regional flights within western Mexico and charter and commercial flights to the United States. The airport is the only privately-owned international airport in the country and operates as the main hub for Calafia Airlines.

The airport features a 2,400-metre runway capable of handling various aircraft types, from small regional jets to large wide-body airliners. The runway is equipped with updated air traffic control equipment and improved lighting for safe operations.

The passenger terminal is a single-story structure that efficiently handles both domestic and international flights. The departures area includes a check-in section, a security checkpoint, and a departure concourse with a range of amenities. Passengers can relax in the VIP lounge or purchase snacks and souvenirs before boarding their flights through direct access gates. The arrivals section is equally well-equipped, with customs and immigration facilities, a baggage claim area, and an arrivals hall offering car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops.

The airport has recently undergone enhancements to improve operations and passenger experience. These include the installation of new navigation aids, the addition of a control tower, and the establishment of a new Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) with ground support equipment.

Cabo San Lucas International Airport offers a range of transportation options for passengers, including taxis, rental cars, and shuttle buses. The airport is a major contributor to the local economy, generating revenue from tourism and cargo transportation. It provides clean and comfortable facilities, ensuring minimum wait times for passengers with up-to-date documentation.

Travel to Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, landscapes, and relaxing atmosphere. When travelling to Cabo San Lucas by air, there are two airport options: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and Cabo San Lucas International Airport (CSL).

Los Cabos International Airport is the larger and more popular option, serving as the main gateway to the Los Cabos region. It is located in San José del Cabo, about 23 miles (37 kilometres) from Cabo San Lucas. The airport offers direct flights to and from major cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with more than 500 flights per week. It is a modern airport with a range of amenities and services, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, currency exchange facilities, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi. Los Cabos International Airport has three terminals, with Terminal 1 dedicated to domestic flights and Terminal 2 dedicated to international flights.

Cabo San Lucas International Airport, on the other hand, is a smaller, privately-owned airport located in Cabo San Lucas itself. It serves as a secondary airport to the Los Cabos region, focusing primarily on regional flights within western Mexico, as well as charter and commercial flights to the United States. This airport also has a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights, offering amenities such as restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

When travelling to Cabo San Lucas, it is important to plan your transportation in advance. Both airports offer a range of transportation options, including shuttle services, car rentals, and taxis. It is recommended to use only official transportation companies, as regulated by the airports and the Mexican Transportation Authority. Additionally, don't forget to have your passport and other identification documents up to date and easily accessible.

For those travelling with pets, it is important to review the specific information on travelling with dogs and cats to Cabo San Lucas. There are also guidelines on what you can and cannot bring into the region, so be sure to familiarise yourself with these before packing.

Frequently asked questions