Airports Offering Direct Flights To Mexico: A Comprehensive Guide

Mexico is a popular destination for travellers from around the world, with its rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscapes. There are several airports in Mexico that cater to international travellers, and the nearest airport to Mexico City is Mexico City (MEX) Airport, just 2.9 miles away. Other airports near Mexico City include Toluca International Airport, Puebla Airport, and Queretaro Airport. Flights to Mexico's main airports are available daily from the United States and Canada, and direct flights are also available from major European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Madrid.

Airports in Mexico City

Mexico City is a major hub for domestic and international travel, connecting millions of passengers to destinations worldwide. There are two key airports in Mexico City, both offering a range of flights:

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)

This is the primary airport in Mexico City, located just a few kilometres from the city centre. It is one of the busiest airports in Latin America, handling millions of passengers each year. Benito Juárez International Airport has two terminals, connected by an internal train system. Most international flights operate from Terminal 1, while some domestic airlines use Terminal 2. The airport offers flights to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)

Felipe Ángeles International Airport is a newer airport, inaugurated in 2022 to help manage the growing number of passengers and relieve congestion at Benito Juárez International Airport. It is located about 45 kilometres north of Mexico City. As a modern airport, AIFA offers comfortable facilities for travellers, but its distance from the city centre may require additional travel time.

Other Nearby Airports

While not within Mexico City, there are other airports nearby, including Toluca International Airport, Puebla Airport, and Querétaro Airport. These airports have been promoted as supplementary options to serve the Mexico City area.

Getting to Mexico City from the Airports

The nearest airport to Mexico City is Mexico City International Airport (MEX), just 2.9 miles away. The quickest way to get to the city is by taking the Line 5 subway, which only takes about 10 minutes.

Cancun Airport

Cancún International Airport, located in the Cancún Metropolitan Area in Quintana Roo, is the second busiest airport in Mexico and the largest in the country and Latin America for international passengers. In 2021, it was the 10th busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, with more than 13 million travellers passing through. In 2023, this number increased to approximately 32.75 million passengers, with a slight decrease to 30.6 million in 2024, of which 20.1 million were international. Cancún Airport is easily accessible from most major cities worldwide, including over 40 cities in the United States and 20+ in Europe. It offers flights to more than 100 cities across the Americas and Europe, serving as a hub for Viva and a focus city for Volaris and Magnicharters. It is the primary gateway to the Mexican Caribbean, Riviera Maya, and Yucatán Peninsula.

Cancún Airport has four terminals for national and international flights, with high-quality facilities including shops, duty-free areas, restaurants, and money exchange services. The airport is known for its friendly service and convenience, making it one of the easiest airports to fly to and from in Mexico. It is managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) and supports general and executive aviation, flight training, and charter services.

The airport's history dates back to 1942 when it was established to support the region's chewing gum industry. The early airport had a rudimentary runway and a wooden control tower, which operated until 1973. In the early 1970s, the Mexican government collaborated with the National Tourism Development Fund to transform Cancún into a world-class tourist hub, which included substantial investments in infrastructure and the construction of the new Cancún International Airport. The airport's inaugural commercial flight took place on May 12, 1975, quickly attracting international tourists.

The primary mode of transportation to and from the airport is by road, with travellers often arranging ground transportation in advance. Official airport taxis are generally discouraged due to their higher costs, and local taxis are not permitted for pickups at the airport. Cancún Shuttle offers a direct, non-stop service from the airport, and private transportation can also be booked online. ADO, the primary long-distance bus carrier in southeastern Mexico, serves various destinations, including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mérida. All international visitors flying into Quintana Roo State, including Cancún Airport, must pay a tourist tax called Visitax, which can be paid online.

Flying from the UK

If you're flying from the UK, you can fly direct to Mexico City from London with British Airways and Aeromexico. Alternatively, you can connect to Mexican destinations via the US with one of the American carriers. Some operators fly package tours (in season) from UK airports to Mexico's three resort destinations: Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two of the airlines that fly direct to Mexico from the UK. British Airways flies direct from London to Mexico City, while Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London to Mexico City and direct to Cancun from London and Manchester.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Hopper's statistics show that the average price of flights from the United States to Puerto Vallarta is currently USD 418 for a return trip. This makes it one of the country's cheapest entry points.

When flying into Mexico City, the nearest airport is Mexico City (MEX) Airport, which is just 2.9 miles away from the city centre. You can easily get from the airport to the city centre in just 10 minutes by taking the line 5 subway.

If you're flying into Cancun, you'll be arriving at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún. This airport is situated in Quintana Roo and is the second busiest airport in Mexico. It has four terminals and two runways that can be used simultaneously. It is served by prominent airlines including Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and many more.

Flying from the US

Flights to all of Mexico's main airports are available daily from the United States. You can fly to Mexico City directly from major US hubs such as Los Angeles, or connect to Mexican destinations via the US with one of the American carriers.

If you're flying from the US, the cheapest airport in Mexico to fly into is Mexico City, with flights costing around $385 on average. The second cheapest airport to fly into is Puerto Vallarta, with flights from the US averaging $418 round trip.

If you're looking for a direct flight, the Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún is an option. It is the second-busiest airport in Mexico and has flights to more than 20 destinations in Mexico, as well as 30 countries in Europe and the USA. It is served by prominent airlines, including Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic, among others.

Other airports in Mexico include Los Cabos International Airport, Tijuana International Airport, Toluca International Airport, and General Heriberto Jara International Airport.

Cheapest airports to fly to

When it comes to finding the cheapest airports to fly to in Mexico, several destinations stand out. Here are some of the most affordable options:

Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Cancun is a top choice for travellers seeking affordable flights to Mexico. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively nightlife, Cancun is a major tourism hub. The average flight price into Cancun is around $391 for a round trip, and it's easily accessible from the United States, making it a budget-friendly option.

Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Mexico City is one of the cheapest places to fly into Mexico due to its location and variety of flight options. Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is the busiest and largest airport in Mexico. It is well-connected to the city centre and easily accessible by car, as it is located near major highways. Flights into Mexico City from the United States can be as low as $385 round trip.

Monterrey International Airport

Monterrey International Airport, also known as General Mariano Escobedo International Airport, is located just outside Monterrey in Apodaca. It is the third busiest airport in Mexico and serves both domestic and international flights. Cities like Houston and Miami tend to have affordable flights to Monterrey, and the city itself offers a blend of culture, history, and modernity, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)

Puerto Vallarta, served by Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, is known for its cobblestone streets, marina district, and beautiful scenery. It is a popular destination for travellers seeking tropical experiences and is often included in lists of the cheapest airports to fly to in Mexico.

Cozumel International Airport

Cozumel, a scenic island off Mexico's southwestern coast, is known as a top diving destination. It also offers authentic cuisine, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches. While specific pricing information for this destination is limited, Southwest Airlines® offers flights to Cozumel, making it a potential option for budget-conscious travellers.

Remember, flight prices can vary depending on your departure location and dates. Additionally, some airports may offer more affordable options due to their smaller size or competition for seats. It's always a good idea to compare prices and consider alternative airports to find the best deals.

Frequently asked questions