Skip to content

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

Sept. 20, 2023
2 min read
Tulum
Mexico's new Tulum airport will get 1st flights in December, tickets now on sale
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

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.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app