New Tulum Airport: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

The New Tulum Airport Connecting the Riviera Maya with the World

If you are a Mexico travel enthusiast, no doubt you have been reading all the Riviera Maya news reports with details of Tulum airport construction throughout the past year. If you have been around here as long as we have you will remember that promises of a “Tulum Airport” have been whispered for almost two decades! It has certainly been a long time coming but it seems like the mythical Tulum Airport is finally going to become a reality. Construction of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) is nearing completion and is scheduled to begin receiving flights in December 2023. 

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The construction of the new airport began in 2022, on an ambitious timeline for an opening date of December 1st 2023. Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, the Mexican government and military engineers are pulling out all the stops to make sure that the Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto is ready to safely receive its first planeload of travelers as promised. 

Mexican President Lopez Obrador visited the construction site of the new Tulum Airport on September 26, 2023, and reported that the project was 65% complete at that time. While construction continues, the first airline has already begun offering flights to the yet-unfinished airport. Viva Aerobus reports that they will begin bringing visitors into Tulum on December 1 with the first flight arriving at 11:15 AM from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) in Mexico City.

About Tulum’s New International Airport

The new Tulum Airport is a state-of-the-art international airport that, when complete, is expected to receive nearly 5.5 million passengers on up to 32,000 flights, employing over 15,000 people. After Cancún, it will become the second busiest airport in the region in terms of passenger traffic and arrivals. Once finished, the terminal will provide 13 gates for both domestic and international commercial aircraft, and a platform with space for 28 general and executive aircraft. Plans also include an enclosed hangar with 12 spaces to house private jets.

The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is expected to be classified as a Category 4 ECO airport. It will feature a 3,700-meter-long runway and a Category 1 instrument landing system with advanced navigation technology. A Category I (CAT I) Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a precision approach and landing aid used at airports to assist aircraft in landing during adverse weather conditions such as low visibility due to fog, rain, or snow.

This new airport, currently being built by Mexico´s Army Corps of Engineers, will be the fourth international airport to service this region, is on track to be functioning (although not entirely complete) by the end of the year. Quintana Roo is already home to three airports that welcome international flights, Cancún International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and Chetumal International Airport (CTM). 

These airports serve as the primary gateways for tourists visiting the state of Quintana Roo and the broader Yucatán Peninsula. As you would imagine, the Cancun International Airport carries the bulk of the weight when it comes to processing both domestic and foreign visitors. However, the Cozumel airport has recently been revamped and remains a viable option for people coming to the island to dive and those traveling on to Playa del Carmen.

The new Tulum Airport represents a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Tulum as a global travel destination. This modern airport was born out of the growing demand to accommodate the increasing influx of tourists to the region. It was a strategic decision by Mexican authorities to ease the pressure on the nearby Cancún International Airport, the second busiest airport in Mexico handling a staggering 26 million passengers a year.  In addition to receiving domestic and international travelers, the Tulum Airport will also function as a multipurpose military facility that will strengthen the security of the national airspace and function as a first-responder base for emergencies such as forest fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Location of the New Tulum Airport

Tulum’s new airport will offer travelers a more convenient gateway to Tulum’s wonders as well as growing tourist destinations like Bacalar and the Costa Maya. The airport is currently being built in the Municipality of Felipe Carillo Puerto, about 12 miles inland and to the south of the center of Tulum. New modern access roads are being cut through the jungle to connect the Tulum Airport to Carretera 307, the federal highway that runs from Cancun all the way to Belize. This strategic placement ensures that travelers can more easily get from the airport to Tulum´s idyllic beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and lively town center. The airport’s proximity minimizes travel time and gives visitors more time to enjoy their vacation.

Location Map for Tulum International Airport

​Currently, the Cancun International Airport and the international airport in Cozumel are the nearest airports for anyone whose ultimate destination is anywhere along the Riviera Maya, including Tulum. The travel time from the Cancun airport to Tulum is 2 hours depending on the final destination and traffic delays. This new airport will not only relieve some of the pressure from the terminals in Cancun but will be the closest airport for those traveling to Tulum, Bacalar and even Valladolid, all rapidly growing tourist destinations. The new international airport means good news for travelers whose ultimate destination is anywhere south of Puerto Aventuras.

Access to The Mayan Train

It´s no surprise that the inauguration of the Tulum International Airport coincides with the (planned) inauguration of the Mayan Train. These two projects have been the highest priority for Mexico´s President who sees the completion of these multi-billion dollar projects as his legacy to Mexico. 

The Tran Maya is a massive railway project in southern Mexico, connecting all the tourist attractions and cultural sites of the Yucatán Peninsula. Intended to boost tourism and economic growth. This high-speed trans-peninsula train will intertwine ancient Mayan sites, cities, and natural landscapes as it traverses the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas, and Tabasco.​

One of the primary stations of the Mayan Train will integrate with the new airport in Tulum, giving travelers direct access to more destinations and the opportunity to explore the wonders of the Mayan world. The Maya Train project was scheduled for completion in December 2023 but numerous injunctions over environmental concerns have delayed the construction on several sections of the tracks, including Section 5 which stretches from Cancun to Tulum. Ultimately, the Tulum airport and the Tren Maya will be integrated but exactly when remains to be seen.

​Read More About The Mayan Train Project

Tulum International Airport – Airlines and Destinations

As of October 2023, the following routes have been announced. Popular Mexican airlines, Aeromexico and VivaAerobus were the first airlines to commit to regular service of flights for several domestic routes. The inaugural flight is scheduled to arrive in Tulum on December 1, 2023.

Bringing very good news to the international accessibility of Tulum´s new airport, the Federal Aviation Administration recently returned Mexico to its highest level of aviation safety certification, paving the way for carriers to add new flights and routes between the US and Mexico, and for US airlines to codeshare with Mexican carriers.

In August 2023, Aeroméxico announced its intention to launch flights to the United States and Canada, with connections to Toronto, Chicago and San Francisco. As of November 2023, tickets have not yet been made available.

Delta Air Lines will be offering passengers direct flights to and from the new Tulum airport to its hub in Atlanta, Georgia. Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are SkyTeam alliance members and operate frequent codeshares as part of a joint venture. Delta´s first international flight is tentatively planned for March 2024.

Budget airline, Spirit, has also announced daily flights from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) beginning March 28, 2024.

As of March 28, 2024, American Airlines will offer four daily flights to Tulum including two daily flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), one daily service from Charlotte (CLT) and one from Miami (MIA).

United Airlines has announced four routes flying from Newark (EWR), Houston (IAH) beginning in March and then Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) beginning in May.

Domestic Flights to Tulum Airport

VivaAerobus: Mexico City (Benito Juárez and Felipe Ángeles) starting December 1, 2023

VivaAerobus: Monterrey starting December 1, 2023

Aeroméxico: Mexico City (Benito Juárez) 14 flights weekly beginning December 1, 2023

Mexicana de Aviación: Mexico City (Felipe Ángeles) beginning December 1, 2023

VivaAerobus: Guadalajara starting December 16, 2023

VivaAerobus: Tijuana beginning December 17, 2023

International Flights to Tulum Airport

Delta: Atlanta (ATL) from March 2024

Spirit: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) beginning March 28, 2024.

American Airlines: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT) and Miami (MIA) from March 28, 2024

United Airlines: Newark (EWR) and Houston (IAH) beginning March 31, 2014. Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) from May 23, 2024.

Air Canada: Toronto (YYZ) starting May 3, 2024 and Montreal (YUL) beginning May 4, 2024.

Jet Blue: New York (JFK) from June 13, 2024.

Savvy international travelers should consider booking flights to Mexico City, and flying from there to Tulum. We anticipate other U.S. airlines will announce new routes from the United States to Tulum in the coming months.

Tulum Airport – Transportation Options for Travelers

Upon landing, travelers are greeted with a variety of transportation choices to ensure a smooth transition to their final destination. Among these options will be:

• Shuttles: Numerous shuttle services will operate from the airport, offering both private transfer and shared rides to various parts of Tulum and its surroundings. These are often a cost-effective and hassle-free way to travel, especially for those new to the area. Private shuttle service should be arranged in advance through reputable providers.
• Taxis: Ready and available, taxis provide a more personalized journey. It’s yet unknown what the rates are going to be to and from the new Tulum airport but you can imagine, they won’t be the most cost-effective option out there. They might be a slightly pricier option, but the convenience of direct routes and the potential for quicker travel often justifies the cost.
• ADO Bus: Like the terminals at the Cancún airport, public transportation will be available and will be a great option to get to and from the Tulum airport on a budget. ADO buses offer affordable and comfortable travel, connecting the airport to Tulum’s town center and beyond. Travelers can change buses at the Tulum ADO terminal to travel on to Playa del Carmen, Cancun or south to Chetumal.
• Car Rentals: For travelers seeking more independence and flexibility in their itinerary, several car rental agencies will have counters at the new airport. Renting a car is an excellent choice for those planning on exploring the broader Riviera Maya region, the Costa Maya and other destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Travel Times to Popular Destinations 

The convenience of Tulum Airport is further highlighted by its close proximity to some of the region’s top attractions and popular destinations.

• Tulum Town: A mere 20-30 minute drive from the airport will land you in the bustling heart of Tulum town, teeming with restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.
• Tulum Ruins: Just a bit further, approximately 25 minutes away, lie the iconic Tulum ruins. These ancient Mayan structures overlook the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, providing a perfect blend of history and scenic beauty.
• Tulum Beaches: Tulum´s hotel zone and its world-famous beaches lie just 45 minutes to an hour from the new international airport.
• Coba Ruins: The ruins at Coba are located just 40 minutes from the new airport.
• Valladolid: An easy 1.5-hour drive from the new Tulum Airport you will find the charming colonial city of Valladolid.
• Chichen Itza: The famous Maya archeological site Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, can be found just outside of Valladolid, just 2 hours from the new international airport. 
• Akumal: Travelers staying in Akumal will have just a quick 45-minute trip from the new airport in Tulum.
• Puerto Aventuras: Just a few minutes north, Puerto Aventuras is approximately 1 hour north of the new airport.
• Playa del Carmen: People coming to Mexico with Playa del Carmen as their destination will have another airport to choose from but this new airport in Tulum is not as close as the Cancun International Airport. The trip from Tulum will be about 1.5 hours.
• Cancun International Airport: From Tulum International Airport, the airport in Cancun is approximately 2 hours north.
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Those seeking nature’s tranquility will find the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve about a 1-hour drive from the airport. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for biodiversity and offers immersive eco-tours.
• Mahahual: About 2 hours from the Tulum Airport, Mahahual and the Costa Maya await, with new coastlines to discover. 
• Bacalar: Further south, the lake of seven colors lies just about 2.5 hours south of Tulum´s new airport.
• Belize border (Chetumal border crossing): Travelers venturing south to Chetumal and into Belize will find that the Tulum airport offers much easier access bringing the drive time down from 5 hours (from Cancun) to just about 3 hours.

Tulum Airport’s location and the array of transportation options available make traveling in and around Tulum not just feasible but highly convenient. Whether you’re in Tulum for its history, beaches, or nature, the airport ensures you’re just a short journey away from your desired experience.

Tulum International Airport Amenities

While it remains to be seen exactly what amenities the new Tulum International Airport will offer, it’s safe to say that the terminal will provide everything that domestic and international travelers have come to expect. The plans already include secure paid parking areas. Renderings indicate that there will be a selection of dining options inside the terminal, as well as some shops, immigration offices, currency exchange services and ATMs. Which car rental companies will be onsite has yet to be seen, but it’s certain that there will be plenty of options for visitors who want to rent a car to explore the Yucatan peninsula beyond Tulum.

Conclusion

While Cancún International Airport will remain the major international gateway for travelers heading to the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum´s new airport offers an enticing alternative. Unlike the bustling and crowded terminals of Cancún, Tulum Airport will be smaller, potentially offering a smoother and less hectic arrival experience. It may become the best option if airport management can provide efficient operations and shorter lines, especially during the crush of high season.

In the broader context of Mexican tourism, Tulum Airport is not just a regional airport but a game-changer for the entire Yucatan Peninsula. It enhances accessibility to the stunning Mexican Caribbean and top destinations in the surrounding area, helping to distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly throughout the region.

Ultimately, the addition of this new international access point can only mean that tourist numbers are going to continue to skyrocket in Tulum, an area that has already stretched the bounds of its infrastructure. At first glance, an increase in tourism will bring immediate benefits to some who are in a position to reap the rewards. The new airport itself will provide jobs to many in a region where tourism is the only viable industry. 

But it’s no secret that Tulum has faced its share of challenges due to its rapid growth. Increased costs, environmental issues, overburdened facilities, cartel and drug-related problems, and other social concerns in the local community, all stem from the astronomical rise in tourism and unfettered development. One can only hope that some of the millions that will flow into the region will be reinvested in the infrastructure of Tulum with an emphasis on protecting its natural resources and supporting the local community with schools, healthcare and social services.