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Mexico's new Tulum airport will get 1st flights in December, tickets now on sale

Sept. 20, 2023
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2 min read
Tulum
Mexico's new Tulum airport will get 1st flights in December, tickets now on sale
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There appears to be good news for travelers heading to tourist hot spot Tulum in Mexico.

Flights have begun to go on sale to the region's new international airport, with service appearing ready to begin Dec. 1.

Previously, travelers visiting Tulum have had to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), about two hours to the north along the Yucatan Peninsula's eastern shore, and either hire a taxi, take a bus or rent a car.

The new Tulum International Airport (TQO) was expected to open next spring. However, as first noted by Thrifty Traveler, flights operated by Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus are already on sale from within Mexico, although passengers traveling from the U.S. can book travel to the airport with a connection.

The first flight into Tulum will be from Viva Aerobus, arriving at 11:15 a.m. from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), the secondary hub in Mexico City, according to data from Cirium. Aeromexico's flight from Mexico City, this one from Mexico City International Airport (MEX), is scheduled to arrive at 11:50 a.m.

Aeromexico operates a second frequency later in the day, while Viva Aerobus will offer additional service from the primary Mexico City airport, along with Monterrey International Airport (MTY), Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), throughout the month.

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It was not immediately clear when U.S. airlines could begin flying to the new airport. As of publication, no other carriers have added service to TQO through the ends of their schedules.

Notably, 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 U.S. and its southern neighbor, and for U.S. airlines to codeshare with Mexican carriers. Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are SkyTeam alliance members and operate frequent codeshares as part of a joint venture.

For now, flights are available via connections on Delta and Aeromexico, offering American travelers a new way to get to Tulum's famous beaches and historic Mayan sites just in time for the holidays.

Featured image by FREDO DE LUNA/VW PICS/UNIVE3RSAL IMAGES GROUP/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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