Owais Crawford
Tijuana International Airport, officially designated as General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ), is the world's only airport with a unique binational character due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border. The airport is located in the city's Otay Centenario borough, immediately south of the US border. It is one of the busiest airports in Mexico and Latin America, having served over 13 million passengers in 2023. The airport offers various facilities and services to enhance the travel experience for passengers, including information kiosks, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, and dining options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tijuana International Airport, General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport |
| Location | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Ranking | 5th busiest airport in Mexico, 16th in Latin America, 47th in North America |
| Passenger numbers | 8,925,900 in 2019, 12,545,800 in 2024 |
| Unique features | Geographically binational airport with direct access from Mexico and the US |
| Terminals | Main Terminal, Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal |
| Amenities | Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, 24-hour pharmacy, information kiosks, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, special needs services |
| Airlines | Volaris, Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, American Eagle |
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What You'll Learn
Tijuana International Airport's location and unique characteristics
Tijuana International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, is located 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of downtown Tijuana, in the state of Baja California, Mexico. Named after the former Governor of Baja California and late President of Mexico, it is Mexico's westernmost airport and the second-northernmost airport in the country, after Mexicali International Airport.
The airport serves a network of 42 domestic destinations across Mexico, including most major and secondary cities. It is a hub for Volaris and a focus city for Viva. In addition, the airport supports cargo flights, tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Notably, it houses facilities for the Mexican Air Force.
Tijuana Airport is situated adjacent to the Mexico–United States border, making it a geographically binational airport. It offers direct access from Mexico and, through its Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, from the United States. This unique feature allows passengers with a boarding pass to walk across a bridge spanning the border. The CBX terminal handled over four million passengers in 2024, accounting for approximately one-third of all passenger traffic at Tijuana Airport.
Tijuana International Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers in recent years. In 2019, it handled 8,925,900 passengers, and in 2024, this number increased to 12,545,800. In 2022, the airport became the fifth in Mexico to surpass ten million passengers in a calendar year. To accommodate this increasing demand, plans for expansion are underway, including a new terminal building (Terminal 3), an additional runway, and enhanced parking facilities.
The airport offers various amenities to enhance the travel experience for passengers. These include information kiosks, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, ATMs, and special needs services. Additionally, travellers can find duty-free shops, a 24-hour pharmacy, and dining options such as fast food, sit-down restaurants, and cafes, ensuring that passengers have access to essential services and conveniences during their time at Tijuana International Airport.
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Airlines and destinations
Tijuana International Airport, officially designated as General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ), is situated in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and is the world's only airport with a unique binational character due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border. This geographical advantage allows passengers with boarding passes to walk across a bridge, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), spanning the border and connecting the airport to the United States.
The airport is Latin America's 11th busiest and Mexico's fourth busiest airport, handling 9,677,900 passengers in 2021 and witnessing significant growth in recent years. It serves as a hub for Volaris and was previously a focus city for several other airlines, including Aero California and Aerolíneas Internacionales.
In terms of international destinations, American Eagle operates daily flights to Phoenix, Arizona, using CRJ-700 equipment. China Southern Airlines offers a bi-weekly Shenzhen-Mexico City route, with a brief stop at Tijuana as a layover. Additionally, Hainan Airlines resumed its Beijing-Tijuana-Mexico City route after a four-year hiatus in 2024, providing three weekly flights.
Tijuana International Airport also boasts an extensive range of facilities and services, including information kiosks, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, ATMs from multiple banks, and special needs services for passengers with disabilities. The airport offers various dining options, duty-free shops, and nearby hotels, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.
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Passenger numbers and aircraft movements
Tijuana International Airport is situated adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. It is a geographically binational airport, with direct access from both Mexico and the US via its Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal. This unique feature allows passengers with a boarding pass to cross a bridge that spans the border. The CBX terminal handled over 4 million passengers in 2024, accounting for roughly a third of all passenger traffic at Tijuana Airport.
Tijuana Airport has experienced significant growth in recent years. In 2019, the airport handled 8,925,900 passengers, and in 2024, this number increased to 12,545,800 passengers. In 2022, the airport became the fifth airport in Mexico to surpass 10 million passengers in a calendar year. The airport ranks as the fifth busiest airport in Mexico for both passenger numbers and aircraft movements, holding the 16th position in Latin America and 47th in North America.
In terms of aircraft movements, Tijuana International Airport also witnessed an increase. In 2018, almost 66,700 airplanes landed at or departed from the airport, up from 63,300 in 2017. The airport is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, which also manages other popular tourist destinations such as Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
To accommodate growing passenger numbers and aircraft movements, Tijuana Airport has undergone several expansion projects. In 1999, the airport joined the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico consortium, which undertook an expansion project in 2002. This project included extending concourses A and B, doubling the terminal's capacity, and expanding taxiways to accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 747. In 2022, a new passenger terminal, the 'Nuevo Edificio Procesador' (New Processing Building), was constructed, featuring additional check-in counters, security lanes, boarding gates, and immigration facilities for international and cross-border passengers.
As of 2025, Tijuana International Airport continues to attract new airlines and routes. American Eagle launched daily flights to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2024, marking the first direct connection to the airport managed by the airline. Additionally, China Southern Airlines is considering adding Tijuana as an official destination, which would be the airport's first direct connection managed by the airline and its second direct connection to China and Asia.
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Amenities and services
Tijuana International Airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ), offers a variety of amenities and services for its passengers. The airport is situated in Tijuana, in the state of Baja California, Mexico, and is known for its proximity to the Mexico-United States border. This unique location allows it to function as a geographically binational airport, providing direct access from both Mexico and the United States.
Information and Navigation:
Tijuana International Airport has strategically placed information kiosks and desks throughout the Main Terminal and the Cross-Border Xpress (CBX) terminal. These information desks assist travellers in navigating the airport and accessing various services, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Internet Access:
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected and access the internet while waiting for their flights. This service is available in both the Main Terminal and the CBX terminal.
Currency Exchange and Banking:
The airport offers 24/7 currency exchange services in the departures area of the Main Terminal, operated by Globo Cambio and HSBC bank. Additionally, multiple ATMs from leading financial institutions, such as Banamex, BBVA Bancomer, Banorte, and HSBC, are conveniently located throughout the airport, providing travellers with easy access to cash at any time during their journey.
Special Needs Services:
Tijuana International Airport caters to the needs of passengers with disabilities or special needs. Services such as personal assistance and wheelchair support are available upon request and prior arrangement through the respective airlines.
Dining and Cuisine:
The airport boasts a diverse range of dining options, including fast food outlets, sit-down restaurants, and cafes. Notable mentions include Starbucks, operating from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and various local restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine. These dining options ensure that passengers have access to a variety of culinary choices during their time at the airport.
Shopping and Duty-Free:
Tijuana International Airport features duty-free shops in both the Main Terminal and the CBX terminal, offering a range of products, including cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco. Additionally, the airport provides essential services such as a 24-hour pharmacy in the Main Terminal, ensuring travellers can access medications and health products at any time.
Lounges:
The airport is equipped with two lounges: the Aeromexico Salon Premier and the VIP Room. These lounges offer comfortable spaces for passengers to relax or work and are located in Concourse A – Floor Level and the Main Terminal – Upper Level, respectively, with hours of operation from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Ground Transportation and Accommodation:
Tijuana International Airport provides easy access to ground transportation options, including taxi and bus services. Additionally, car rental services are available within the airport for travellers who prefer to drive. While there are no hotels within the airport premises, nearby options such as the Hotel de Principado and Marriott Hotel are popular choices, with a shuttle service available for a fee.
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Nearby attractions
Tijuana International Airport, officially designated as General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ), is located near the city centre. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive from the airport to downtown Tijuana.
Revolution Avenue
Revolution Avenue, located about 6.3 km (4 miles) from the airport, is one of the main tourist attractions in Tijuana. It features restaurants, bars, craft shops, and cultural activities. The avenue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Morelos Park
Morelos Park, located about 8.9 km (5.5 miles) from the airport, is a natural park that offers a variety of attractions. It has an aquatic area, a zoo, and a lake, making it a great option for families and nature lovers. The park provides a peaceful escape from the city and is a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Tijuana Wax Museum
The Tijuana Wax Museum, located 6.2 km (4 miles) from the airport, is considered the second-largest of its kind in Latin America. It exhibits extraordinary works of art that allude to the rich history of Mexico. The museum provides a unique and artistic perspective on the country's cultural heritage.
Tijuana Cultural Center
The Tijuana Cultural Center, located 5.1 km (3 miles) from the airport, is a hub for artistic and cultural activities. It hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the talent and creativity of the local community. The centre is a great place to immerse yourself in the local arts and gain a deeper understanding of Tijuana's cultural wealth.
San Ysidro Border Crossing
The San Ysidro Border Crossing is a unique attraction where a large number of people cross the border between Mexico and the United States daily. It is a testament to the binational character of the airport and the region. The proximity to the border makes it an appealing option for cross-border travellers heading to Mexican cities.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Tijuana is called Tijuana International Airport, or General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ).
Tijuana International Airport is located in the city's Otay Centenario borough, immediately south of the US-Mexico border.
Tijuana International Airport offers various facilities and services, including information kiosks, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, special needs services, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and nearby hotel options.
