Two Major U.S. Airlines Reduce Flight Options to Tulum Airport

Situated on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast lies the picturesque city of Tulum. This ancient city, full of history with Mayan ruins overlooking the ocean, has risen in popularity among tourists, expats, and digital nomads due to its beauty, affordability, culture, and modern amenities. In an effort to keep up with demand, major airlines added flights, but now two U.S. airlines have cut flights to Tulum Airport.

Tulum’s Popularity

Tulum has always been a popular destination, but its popularity has increased in part due to social media influencers and, in part, to changes in lifestyles.

Tulum offers visitors a boh-chic atmosphere with eco-resorts, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and more. The city also has become a hotspot for those interested in wellness. There is an endless list of wellness spas, retreats, and spas. Tulum has indeed become a place to unwind and relax while enjoying a bit of luxury.

Tulum’s New Airport

The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, or Tulum Airport (TQO), opened in December 2023 to accommodate Tulum’s rise in popularity. The modern, sleek airport was an exciting addition as previously visitors had to fly into either Cancun or Cozumel, followed by a 2+ hour drive. Major U.S. air carriers jumped at the chance to transport passengers directly to the popular Mexican destination. American Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta, and more added stops to TQO, but now some are scaling back.

Airlines Cut Routes to Tulum

Both United Airlines and American Airlines have cut routes to Tulum. American Airlines will discontinue flights between its Charlotte, North Carolina hub to Tulum. It will, however, continue flights to Tulum from its Miami and Dallas hubs. United Airlines similarly will continue to offer routes to Tulum from Los Angeles but has cut plans to service the airport from its other hubs.

Tulum Airport Still Sees Growth

Despite some U.S. airline carriers cutting back on routes to Tulum Airport, the airport is seeing growth worldwide. Avianca has begun flights between Bogota, Columbia and Tulum, opening up accessibility between Tulum and South America. Across the Atlantic, Tulum is also gaining new opportunities as Discover Airlines has launched direct flights between the Mexican destination and Frankfurt, Germany.