Lois Larson
Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is an international airport located approximately 20 miles southwest of Tulum, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport, which opened on December 1, 2023, is designed to handle up to 5.5 million passengers annually and has dramatically shortened travel time to Tulum, which was previously accessible only via a lengthy journey involving a flight to Cancun followed by a two-hour drive. Tulum Airport currently offers domestic and international flights, with more than 12 different airlines operating flights to and from the airport, including major US and Mexican carriers. The airport features a peaceful and beautifully designed interior, with abundant natural light, green accents, and Mayan art motifs, and is expected to have its own train station connected to the Maya Train.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tulum Airport (TQO) |
| Official Name | Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport |
| Location | 12-20 miles southwest of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico |
| Date of Inauguration | December 1, 2023 |
| First Official International Flight | March 28, 2024, from Dallas Forth Worth |
| Number of Airlines | More than 10 domestic and international airlines |
| Number of Cities with Direct Flights | More than 15 |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | Up to 5.5 million |
| Transport Options | Taxi, ADO Bus, Shuttle, Private Transportation |
| Transport Fee | $12 (Bus), $70-$110 (Taxi), $176-$221 (Shuttle) |
| Design | Bright, airy, light wood fixtures, green furniture, jungle theme |
| Runway Length | 3,700 meters |
| Number of Annual Flights | 32,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Tulum Airport's design and facilities
Tulum International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport was constructed and is operated by the Mexican army, and is owned by the Mexican government. It was inaugurated on December 1, 2023, and received its first official international flight from Dallas Fort Worth on March 28, 2024. The airport currently serves over 15 cities with direct flights and has a capacity of up to 5.5 million passengers annually.
The airport features a passenger terminal and a 3,700-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The 70,000 square-metre passenger terminal is a two-storey building with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. The terminal includes check-in areas, a security checkpoint, baggage claim, taxi stands, car rental services, commercial spaces, and 13 gates with ramps down to the apron level. The airport also has an Executive Aviation Terminal with airport lounges and facilities for general aviation, and an FBO terminal with 28 parking spaces for private flights.
The design of the airport is described as bright and airy, with a translucent roof and floor-to-ceiling windows. The interior features light wood fixtures, green furniture, and Mayan meander art, creating a warm and serene atmosphere. There are plans for several restaurants within the airport, and transportation options include taxis, rental cars, shuttles, and the ADO bus system.
The Tulum Airport is part of a broader strategy to establish alternative entry points to the tourist zone, as Tulum has traditionally relied on Cancun Airport as its primary gateway. The airport is expected to generate 15,000 new jobs and will be the secondary hub for Mexicana Airlines. Future plans include the construction of an air force base within the airport grounds and a train station connected to the Maya Train.
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Transport options to and from the airport
The Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (IATA: TQO), is located about 20 miles southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport's opening is expected to significantly impact the region's growth, particularly in tourism and real estate development. With a capacity of up to 5.5 million passengers annually, it serves as a gateway for travellers visiting the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
By Road:
- Taxi Services: Local taxi services are available at the airport. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to Tulum Centro or the Hotel Zone typically ranges between $70 and $110.
- Rental Cars: Visitors can opt to rent a car at the airport, providing flexibility and the ability to explore Tulum at their own pace.
- Shuttle Services: The airport offers shuttle services with rates depending on the destination and group size. One-way shuttle rates to Tulum Centro range from $176 to $199, while rates to the Hotel Zone, where most resorts are located, range from $199 to $221. Shuttles from Tulum Centro to the airport are more affordable, ranging from $106 to $128, and from the Hotel Zone to the airport, they range from $128 to $151.
- Bus Services: The ADO bus system provides an affordable alternative to taxis and shuttles, with a 40-minute bus ride to Tulum Centro costing 220 pesos (approximately $12).
By Rail:
The Tulum Airport railway station, located next to the airport, offers connections to various destinations in southeastern Mexico, including:
- Tulum railway station
- Cancún International Airport
- Chetumal Airport
Additionally, the airport is expected to have its own train station connected to the Maya Train, which will link Cancun, Tulum, and other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Merida, Palenque, and Bacalar.
Domestic and International Flights:
Tulum Airport caters to both domestic and international flights. For domestic travel within Mexico, the airport receives flights from major airports such as Guadalajara Airport, Mexico City Airport, Felipe Angeles Airport, Monterrey Airport, and Tijuana Airport.
For international travellers, the airport has welcomed flights from various US airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines offer direct flights from cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Miami, and New York. Additionally, new direct routes from Montreal and Toronto to Tulum have been introduced by Air Canada.
The Tulum Airport offers a range of transportation options for travellers, providing convenience and flexibility in reaching their destinations. With the addition of the new airport, travel time to Tulum has been significantly reduced compared to the previously closest airport in Cancun.
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Airlines and flights serving Tulum Airport
Tulum Airport (IATA: TQO | ICAO: MMTL or MMTU), officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport is about 20 miles southwest of Tulum, and it can take up to an hour to reach central Tulum from the airport.
Tulum Airport was inaugurated on December 1, 2023, and received its first official international flight from Dallas Forth Worth on March 28, 2024. There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights to the airport.
Some of the airlines that operate flights to and from Tulum Airport include Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Eurowings, and JetBlue. These airlines offer direct flights to Tulum from cities such as Miami, Atlanta, Tijuana, Houston, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Toronto, and Guadalajara.
The Tulum Airport is designed with a serene and airy aesthetic, featuring a translucent roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to fill the space. The use of light wood fixtures and green accents further enhances the calming atmosphere. The airport also features Mayan meander art, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
In addition to the airlines mentioned above, VivaAerobus will be the most frequent flyer, serving Tulum from five different airports. Tulum Airport is expected to have a capacity of up to 5.5 million passengers annually, significantly improving accessibility to the region.
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The airport's impact on tourism and investment
The airports impact on tourism and investment
The Tulum International Airport, officially known as the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, has significantly impacted the region's growth and development, particularly in the tourism and investment sectors. The airport, located about 20 miles southwest of Tulum, has improved accessibility to the area, making it a more convenient option for tourists. Before the Tulum airport opened, travellers would have to fly into Cancun and endure a two-hour drive south. Now, Tulum is more accessible than ever, with over 10 domestic and international airlines flying to the airport and more than 15 cities offering direct flights. This increased accessibility is expected to elevate Tulum's status as a global tourism hub, attracting more visitors with its natural beauty, ancient Mayan ruins, and bohemian charm.
The airport's impact on tourism is evident in the plans for new hotels and resorts in the region. Tulum is expected to welcome an MGallery Hotel in 2024 and a Nobu Hotel in 2026. Additionally, 20 more hotels are planned, each with 50 to 500 rooms, through a joint venture between Asset Management Spain Gestmadrid and Apex Capital. The airport itself is beautifully designed with a serene, airy atmosphere and a theme that pays tribute to Tulum's jungle setting. The airport also boasts various transportation options, including taxi, rental car, shuttle, and bus services, making it easy for travellers to reach their destinations.
The opening of the Tulum airport has also created compelling investment opportunities, particularly in the local real estate market. The heightened tourism and real estate demand are anticipated to positively affect property prices in Tulum. As the area becomes more attractive to investors and homebuyers, property values are expected to rise, creating capital appreciation opportunities. Additionally, the demand for short-term vacation rentals and long-term leases is likely to increase, providing property owners with lucrative rental income streams. Savvy investors may find success in developing new projects or renovating existing properties to cater to the growing demand.
The airport has also had an impact on the military. It was constructed and is operated by the Mexican army, and it features an Executive Aviation Terminal equipped with airport lounges and general aviation facilities. There are plans to construct an air force base within the airport grounds, and it currently supports various military aviation activities. However, the military's involvement in civilian functions, such as airport management, has raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
Overall, the Tulum International Airport has had a significant impact on the region, streamlining travel logistics and unlocking Tulum's potential as a global tourism hub and investment destination. The airport's strategic location, convenient transportation options, and beautiful design have elevated Tulum's accessibility and appeal, setting the stage for its bright future.
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The airport's military involvement and construction
Tulum International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is situated approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport serves as a secondary gateway for tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatán Peninsula.
The Airports Military Involvement and Construction
The Tulum airport project was first announced in 2011, but it experienced delays due to funding issues and other challenges. In 2020, President López Obrador announced that the airport would be constructed by the Mexican army, specifically by military engineers, with a planned opening in 2023. This decision aligned with his administration's strategy to involve the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects, including the Tren Maya and the revival of Mexicana de Aviación. The military's involvement in civilian functions, such as airport management, has raised concerns about accountability and transparency.
Construction of the airport commenced in 2022, and it officially opened on December 1, 2023, operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a holding company owned by the Mexican military. The airport features a 70,000 square metre passenger terminal, a 3,700-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, and various general aviation facilities. It received its first international flight from Dallas Forth Worth on March 28, 2024.
The airport has been a successful secondary option for travellers visiting Tulum, reducing the reliance on Cancún Airport as the primary gateway. It currently handles both domestic and international flights, with over 10 airlines and 15 cities offering direct flights. Future plans for the airport include the construction of an air force base within its grounds.
The construction and operation of the Tulum Airport by the Mexican military demonstrate their involvement in significant infrastructure projects and their expanding role in civilian functions. While the airport has enhanced accessibility to Tulum and the surrounding region, the military's involvement has also raised questions regarding transparency and accountability in their expanded responsibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Tulum is called Tulum International Airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto or Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. Its airport codes are TQO, MMTL, and MMTU.
The Tulum airport officially opened on December 1, 2023, with its first domestic flights. The first international flight landed on March 28, 2024.
The airport is located approximately 20-25 miles (32-40 kilometres) southwest of Tulum. The travel time from the airport to Tulum city is approximately 40 minutes.
There are currently more than 10 domestic and international airlines flying to Tulum, with more than 15 cities offering direct flights. Some of the airlines include Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
