Airlines Reduce Flights to Tulum as Popularity Concerns Rise

Tulum, Mexico—Just a little over a year after its grand opening in December 2023, Tulum International Airport is already seeing a significant reduction in service from major airlines. This comes as concerns grow about the once-booming tourist destination.

Flight Cuts from Major Carriers

Initially, many airlines from the U.S., Canada, and Latin America rushed to add flights to Tulum, anticipating a surge in tourism. However, the tide seems to be turning. American Airlines discontinued its Charlotte, North Carolina, to Tulum route in February. United Airlines also scrapped plans for a Denver-Tulum connection, though it continues to serve Tulum from Newark and Houston.

Air Canada is also scaling back. The airline has canceled plans to resume seasonal service from Ottawa and Quebec City. During a recent earnings call, Air Canada’s chief commercial officer, Mark Galardo, noted that the industry had added a lot of capacity to Tulum, and some rationalization was occurring. Air Canada will continue to serve Tulum from Toronto and Montreal, focusing more on Cancun, which Galardo stated is performing well for the airline.

Why the Shift?

Several factors may contribute to Tulum’s fading allure.

• Rising Costs: Tulum has transformed from a tranquil, affordable destination to a luxury hotspot. A Tulum Times article points out that increasing real estate prices, luxury tourism, and environmental challenges have made it one of Mexico’s most expensive places to visit. The cost of accommodations, food, and transportation has risen dramatically.
• Safety Concerns: While generally considered safe for tourists, Tulum has faced challenges with drug cartels and related violence. A Tulum Travel Blog post discusses increased crime rates and corruption, which could deter some travelers.
• Over-tourism and unsustainable development: An ArcGIS StoryMaps article point out, rapid development and a focus on luxury have led to infrastructure issues, environmental damage, and a dilution of Tulum’s original charm. The influx of tourists has strained resources and led to unsustainable practices.

Impact on Tulum

Scheduled capacity in Tulum is expected to decrease by approximately 23% in December 2025 compared to December 2024, according to Cirium. This reduction in flights reflects a broader concern about Tulum’s ability to sustain its popularity as a high-end tourist destination.

The Future of Tulum

For Tulum to remain competitive, local businesses and the government may need to balance luxury tourism with sustainability and affordability. Efforts to regulate development, manage environmental issues, and improve public services will be crucial. The challenge is to preserve Tulum’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while providing a positive experience for visitors.

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