Spirit adds 2 routes to Tulum, becomes 2nd US carrier to add airport
Tulum, Mexico — a notoriously difficult vacation destination to travel to — is now getting its second U.S. carrier.
Joining Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines becomes the second U.S. airline to fly to Tulum International Airport (TQO), with daily service from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando starting March 28, 2024.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are Spirit's gateways to flights to Latin America and the Caribbean, and with the addition of Tulum, the ultra-low-cost carrier will now operate service to 26 international destinations from Fort Lauderdale and 11 from Orlando.
Delta became the first U.S. airline to announce it would fly between Tulum and its hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) after Tulum announced its newly built international airport would open in December 2023. Following the announcement, Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico began selling flights to Tulum, and more carriers are expected to follow suit.
"Tulum is an increasingly popular choice for leisure travelers, and our direct flights from Florida will make a getaway to Mexico's enchanting coastline more accessible than ever, just in time for spring break," John Kirby, Spirit's vice president of network planning, said in a statement.
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Introductory one-way fares for flights to Tulum start at $149.
Tulum's international airport will be a game changer for travel to the area since it's historically been a hassle to commute to the once-sleepy beach town that has rapidly developed into one of Mexico's most popular vacation spots. Previously, travelers visiting Tulum had to fly to Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is around a two-hour drive away from Tulum, and then either rent a car, take a bus or hire a taxi.
With the addition of Spirit, travelers in the U.S. interested in flying to Tulum will now also have a low-cost option to do so. It's unclear if fellow ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines will join Spirit and also launch service to Tulum. And besides Delta, neither United Airlines nor American Airlines have announced service to Tulum just yet.
"We have a long history of serving Mexico, and Tulum's new airport is a great addition that will make it easier for our Guests to get to the city and enjoy its beaches, history, and variety of unique experiences," Kirby said.
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