
Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, approximately 12 miles from the heart of Tulum. The airport was constructed and is operated by the Mexican army, and is part of the broader strategy of the López Obrador administration to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects. Construction on the airport began in August 2022 and was completed in December 2023, with the airport officially opening to both domestic and international flights on March 28, 2024. The airport features a passenger terminal, a 3,700-metre runway, and various facilities for passengers and airlines. The opening of the Tulum Airport is expected to have a significant impact on the region's growth and development, particularly in the real estate market and tourism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction Started | August 2022 |
| Inaugurated | 1st December 2023 |
| First Official International Flight | 28th March 2024 |
| Location | Felipe Carrillo Puerto, approximately 12-25 miles from Tulum |
| Area | 1,200 hectares or 3,000 acres |
| Elevation | 20 metres or 66 feet above mean sea level |
| Runway Length | 3,700 metres or 12,100 feet |
| Number of Gates | 12 |
| Passenger Terminal Area | 70,000 square metres or 750,000 square feet |
| Passenger Capacity | 4-5.5 million per year |
| Number of Airlines | More than 10 |
| Number of Cities with Direct Flights | More than 15 |
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What You'll Learn

Tulum Airport officially opened on 1 December 2023
Spanning 1,200 hectares (roughly five square miles) at an elevation of 20 meters above mean sea level, the airport boasts a 3,700-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The passenger terminal, encompassing 70,000 square meters, offers standard international airport services across two floors, with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. The airport is designed to handle up to 5.5 million passengers annually, with 13 aircraft stands primarily serving narrow-body aircraft and hardstands for general aviation.
The opening of Tulum Airport, also known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is expected to have a profound impact on the region. It will be the fourth international airport in Quintana Roo, enhancing the state's connectivity and boosting tourism. The airport is strategically located approximately 12 to 25 miles from the heart of Tulum, providing convenient access to popular destinations in the region. The nearby Tulum Airport railway station offers connections to prominent tourist spots in southeastern Mexico, including Cancun International Airport and Chetumal Airport.
The airport's inauguration is closely tied to the Mayan Train (Tren Maya) project, with the airport expected to be fully operational by 2024, shortly after the planned inauguration of the Mayan Train. This integration will offer visitors a seamless travel experience, allowing them to fly directly to Tulum and then explore other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula by train. The airport's design pays homage to Mayan architecture and culture, reflecting the region's rich historical heritage.
The construction of Tulum Airport has created over 15,000 jobs in the region and is anticipated to stimulate the local economy further. The heightened tourism and real estate demand are predicted to positively impact property values in Tulum, making the area more attractive to investors and homebuyers. Additionally, the demand for short-term vacation rentals and long-term leases is likely to increase, providing lucrative opportunities for property owners.
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The airport's first international flight landed on 28 March 2024
The Tulum Airport, officially known as the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, landed its first international flight on 28 March 2024. The airport, constructed and operated by the Mexican army, is part of a broader strategy to engage the country's armed forces in significant infrastructure projects. The airport's inauguration on 1 December 2023 marked the beginning of a new era for the region's tourism and economic development.
The airport is located approximately 12 miles from the heart of Tulum, in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It spans across 1,200 hectares of land, with a 3,700-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The passenger terminal offers standard international airport services over two floors, with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor.
The first international flight to arrive at Tulum Airport was from Dallas Fort Worth, operated by American Airlines. This marked a significant milestone in the airport's history, with more than 10 domestic and international airlines soon offering direct flights to Tulum from over 15 cities worldwide. The opening of the airport has had a notable impact on the region, particularly in the real estate market, with heightened tourism and increased demand for short-term rentals and long-term leases.
The construction of Tulum Airport faced several challenges and political setbacks over the years. Initially, the project encountered obstacles that led to a standstill. However, with perseverance and a renewed focus on infrastructure development, the airport became a reality. The airport's design honours Mayan architecture and culture, and it is strategically integrated into the current highway system and the Mayan Train network, with its own dedicated train station on-site.
The Tulum Airport is a testament to the region's growth and development, offering increased accessibility and convenience for travellers visiting the area. With its ability to handle millions of passengers annually and its resilience against natural disasters, the airport is well-equipped to cater to the needs of tourists and locals alike. The airport's successful first international flight on 28 March 2024 signalled a bright future for the region, paving the way for enhanced tourism, economic prosperity, and social progress.
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The airport is located around 12-25 miles from Tulum
Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is located around 12-25 miles from Tulum. The airport is part of a broader strategy of the López Obrador administration to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects. Construction on the airport began in 2022 and was completed on December 1, 2023, with the first international flight touching down on March 28, 2024. The airport is expected to be fully operational by 2024.
The airport is situated in the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and is approximately 12 miles from the heart of Tulum. It spans 1,200 hectares (roughly five square miles) of land and has a 12,000-foot runway and 12 gates. The airport will have the capacity to handle 4-5.5 million passengers per year and will include 13 positions for both domestic and international commercial aircraft.
The Tulum Airport is an important development for the region, as it is expected to boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs. It will also have a significant impact on the real estate market, with heightened tourism and real estate demand anticipated to increase property values and rental income streams. Additionally, the airport will be fully integrated into the current highway system and the Mayan Train network, with its own Mayan Train station on-site.
The design of the airport will honour Mayan architecture and culture, and it will include high-end shops and restaurants. A unique aspect of the airport is the planned construction of an air force base within the airport grounds. This base will serve multiple purposes, including military functions and first-responder capabilities for state safety emergencies such as forest fires.
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Tulum Airport is expected to positively impact the region's economy and tourism
Tulum Airport, officially known as Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, is expected to positively impact the region's economy and tourism. The airport, which opened on December 1, 2023, is located approximately 12 to 25 miles from Tulum and is part of the Mexican government's strategy to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects.
The airport is expected to boost the local economy by increasing tourism and real estate demand. With its capacity to handle 4 to 5.5 million passengers annually and accommodate wide-body aircraft, the airport will improve accessibility to the region, making it a convenient gateway to popular tourist destinations in southeastern Mexico. The heightened tourism and real estate demand are anticipated to have a trickle-down effect on the local economy, with increased investment and spending in the area.
The construction of Tulum Airport is also expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. The project has already created over 15,000 jobs during the construction phase, and the increased tourism and economic activity generated by the airport are likely to lead to further job creation in the hospitality, transportation, and other service industries. The airport will also have its own Foreign Relations Office, which will further enhance its importance to the region's economy and development.
Furthermore, the airport's integration with the Mayan Train Project, also known as "Tren Maya," offers a promising scenario for tourism in the region. Tourists will have the option to fly directly to Tulum and then easily explore other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula by boarding the Mayan Train. This combination of air and rail connectivity will enhance the region's appeal as a travel destination, potentially attracting even more visitors and contributing to the local economy.
Overall, the Tulum Airport is expected to have a significant positive impact on the region's economy and tourism. By improving accessibility, creating jobs, and enhancing the region's appeal as a travel destination, the airport is poised to drive economic growth and development in the area.
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The airport will be operated by the Mexican army
The Tulum International Airport, located around 12 miles from the heart of Tulum, is a significant infrastructure project that is expected to boost tourism and the local economy, as well as create jobs. The airport officially opened on December 1, 2023, and received its first international flight on March 28, 2024.
The airport is constructed and operated by the Mexican army, marking a trend of militarization in Mexico, which includes the takeover of multiple airports and other projects like the Tren Maya. This military involvement in civilian functions has raised concerns about accountability and transparency. However, the army's role ensures the airport's efficient operation and alignment with broader strategic goals.
The Tulum Airport is part of the Mexican government's strategy to engage the armed forces in significant infrastructure projects. This trend extends beyond airports, with the military also involved in hotel operations and the revival of Mexicana de Aviación. The airport's construction created over 15,000 jobs in the region and is expected to handle 4 to 5.5 million passengers annually, accommodating wide-body aircraft.
The airport features a 12,000-foot runway, 12 gates, and a passenger terminal providing standard international airport services across two floors, with departures on the top floor and arrivals on the ground floor. Additionally, there are plans for an air force base within the airport grounds, reinforcing the military's role in its operations.
The Tulum Airport is expected to have a significant impact on the region's growth, particularly in the real estate market. The increased accessibility and tourism are anticipated to positively affect property values, creating opportunities for investors and homebuyers. The airport also addresses the long-standing challenge of relying on Cancún Airport as the primary gateway to Tulum, enhancing the region's connectivity and accessibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Tulum Airport was inaugurated on December 1, 2023.
Tulum Airport first began operations on December 1, 2023, and received its first official international flight from Dallas Fort Worth on March 28, 2024.
Tulum Airport has the capacity for about 5.5 million annual passengers and up to 32,000 air operations each year.
Tulum Airport is set to be a game-changer for the state, making Quintana Roo the only state in Mexico to have four international airports. It will also boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs.
Tulum Airport is located approximately 12-25 miles from the heart of Tulum.











































