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 Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.