Aeropuerto de Tulum: Impacto y Nuevos Destinos en su Primer Año

The Tulum Airport, the figures and new connected destinations, in its first year after its inauguration, the infrastructure causing a positive impact on the Riviera Maya. Since the opening of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport in Tulum, the Riviera Maya has undergone significant changes in several sectors. Although the airport has only been operational for a year, the effects on the local economy, tourism and infrastructure in the region can already be seen.

On November 3, 2024, the Felipe Carrillo Puerto de Tulum International Airport received its one million passenger number, surpassing the initial forecasts that estimated 700,000 passengers for the first year of operation. This achievement was achieved through more than 7,790 air operations. As of November 21, 2024, the airport had already registered more than 1,074,000 passengers and 8,500 air operations, consolidating itself as the second busiest airport in the state of Quintana Roo.

With an average monthly growth of 13.1%, Tulum Airport continues to strengthen its connectivity, operating with 11 airlines that connect 15 national and international destinations, including Mexico, the United States, Canada, South America and Europe.

An engine of economic growth for the region

The Felipe Carrillo Airport has had an immediate impact on the local economy of the Riviera Maya. According to an article by Forbes Mexico, the arrival of this new infrastructure has generated a significant increase in economic activity in the tourism, hospitality and services sectors. Increased accessibility has attracted more international tourists, mainly from North America and Europe, which has allowed local businesses to experience a significant increase in the number of customers.

In addition, the airport has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs in areas such as transport, airport administration and commerce. Transport services and tourism activities have also benefited from increased tourist arrivals, allowing small local businesses such as restaurants and travel agencies to experience sustained growth.

Destinations with direct flights to Tulum

One of the biggest changes that has caused the airport of Felipe Carrillo Puerto is the ease of access to the region. Tulum, which was previously relatively remote from major air hubs such as Cancun, now has direct connections to major cities in North America and Europe. This not only facilitates the arrival of tourists, but also attracts international investors aware of the potential of the region.

Cities that currently have direct flights with Tulum include:

Domestic destinations:

Ciudad de México (NLU): Operated by Aeroméxico, Mexicana and VivaAerobus.
Guadalajara (GDL): Operated by VivaAerobus y Volaris.
Monterrey (MTY): Operated by VivaAerobus y Volaris.

International destinations:

North America:

Atlanta (ATL): Operated by Delta Air Lines.
Charlotte (CLT): Operated by American Airlines.
Chicago (ORD): Operated by United Airlines.
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): Operated by American Airlines.
Detroit (DTW): Operated by Delta Air Lines.
Houston (IAH): Operated by United Airlines.
Los Angeles (LAX): Operated by United Airlines.
Miami (MIA): Operated by American Airlines.
Minneapolis (MSP): Operated by Delta Air Lines.
New York (EWR): Operated by United Airlines.
New York (EWR): Operated by JetBlue.

Canada:

Calgary (YYC): Operated by WestJet.
Montreal (YUL): Operated by Air Canada, Air Transat y Sunwing.
Ottawa (YOW): Operated by Air Canada.
Quebec (YQB): Operated by Air Canada y Air Transat.
Toronto (YYZ): Operated by Air Canada y WestJet.

Central and South America:

Bogotá (BOG): Operated by Avianca.
Panamá City (PTY): Operated by Copa Airlines.

Europe:

Frankfurt am Main (FRA): Operated by Discover Airlines.

These direct connections will further enhance international tourism, attracting a wider variety of tourists from both the Americas and Europe.

An ecological and sustainable approach

The Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport not only represents an improvement in the tourist infrastructure of the Riviera Maya, but also a boost to sustainable tourism in the region. Según Tulum Airport, this project has been designed with a development approach in harmony with the natural environment, making it attractive for travellers who are aware of the ecological impact of their journeys.

Unlike Cancun airport, which is more than an hour’s drive from Tulum, the new airport reduces travel times and emissions by providing direct access to visitors. In addition, the project incorporates green technologies such as solar panels and efficient water management systems, which helps to minimize environmental impact.

Tulum, already known for its commitment to responsible tourism, is perfectly aligned with this sustainable approach. This attracts tourists interested in eco-friendly destinations, who value the protection of natural landscapes and local biodiversity.

Impacts on the real estate market and infrastructure

The airport has also had a direct impact on the real estate market in the region, especially in areas near Tulum. The opening of the airport has accelerated the development of real estate projects, including hotels, residential and commercial. According to ORVE, This has increased the demand for land in the area and raised its value, attracting both national and international investors. In addition, local authorities have begun to improve road infrastructure and public services to respond to the growth of the region. The main routes to tourist areas of Tulum, such as beaches and cenotes, have been renovated, significantly reducing transfer times and facilitating access for visitors.

Conclusion: Tulum, a transformed destination

One year after its opening, the Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport has established itself as a catalyst for transformation in the Riviera Maya. It has had a positive impact on the local economy, improved international connectivity in the region and boosted sustainable development. Thanks to this airport, Tulum has become a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists from all over the world, without losing its ecological and natural essence.

Tulum Airport: Impact, Numbers and New Destinations in its First Year

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