Spirit postpones service to Mexico's newest airport in Tulum
Spirit Airlines is postponing plans to fly to Mexico's newest major airport before it's even opened to international airlines.
In a statement to TPG on Wednesday afternoon, Spirit confirmed it is postponing the start of its planned service to Tulum's Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) indefinitely.
The carrier will be reaching out to customers with flights already booked to offer alternative flights or a refund, a spokesperson said.
The airline blames the route postponement on ongoing operational constraints related to the defects on a number of Airbus A321neo engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. Airline executives noted continued challenges posed by the defects during Spirit's earnings call last week. Dozens of Spirit's jets are grounded due to the ongoing issue, which has become a major head wind as Spirit tries to return to profitability — and forced the airline to make other route cuts in recent months.
Spirit was set to join a host of other major U.S. airlines in launching service to the new Tulum airport once it opens to international carriers March 28. The airport has been operating for domestic Mexico flights since December.
Spirit had plans to serve Tulum from both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Ishrion Aviation was first to report the route cutback on social media, which TPG confirmed with the carrier.
"We apologize to our guests for any inconvenience," Spirit said in a statement to TPG. "We look forward to the opportunity to serve Tulum in the future and will share more once we have an updated schedule."
What other options do travelers have?
Spirit continues to offer service to Cancun International Airport (CUN), 70-plus miles from Cancun — or a drive of about two hours in typical traffic conditions.
Meanwhile, other U.S. airlines are moving forward with plans to fly to the new airport in Tulum.
As of April, American Airlines will serve Tulum from its hubs at Miami International Airport (MIA), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
United Airlines will fly to Tulum from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Newark Liberty International Airport (IAH) and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Its service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) launches later this year.
Delta Air Lines will offer nonstop service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Bottom line
Spirit sees this route postponement as just that — a temporary shuttering of its plans for Tulum service. As airline officials noted in their statement, the carrier hopes to reinstate Tulum plans once practical, offering travelers an option to fly to the new airport aboard an ultra-low-cost carrier.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees