Skip to Content

Cancun International Airport Retains Position As Mexico’s Busiest Hub For International Travelers

Share The Article

Last Updated

After reporting a record-breaking year for international passenger traffic last year, Cancun International Airport kicked off 2023 as the busiest aerial hub for travelers in Mexico. 

Planes parked outside of Cancun International Airport

Cancun International Airport has managed to retain its position as the leading choice for international travelers visiting Mexico.

As per the recent data released by the Ministry of Tourism, Cancun’s airport not only topped the list for most international passengers but also managed to grow its share nationwide compared to last year.

Delta aircraft taking off in Cancun International Airport

Cancun Continues To Hold Top Spot Among International Travelers 

Recently published statistics show that the massive airport welcomed more travelers than any other aerial hub in Mexico during the first few two months of the year.  

Cancun International Airport saw over 1.6 million international travelers pass through its gates in January and February, a significant lead over other hubs like Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta.

As the world emerges from the pandemic, travel has become a top priority for many consumers, and a growing number of travelers are opting for Caribbean destinations like Cancun. 

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

An aerial picture of a Cancun beach with resorts

While the coastal resort destination has seen its popularity grow across the board, the United States and Canada are by far the largest source of inbound travel, making up a whopping 70% of all international travelers

In the first two months of this year alone, Cancun Airport welcomed around 800 thousand tourists from the United States alone, making it the most popular destination for Americans in Mexico.

With its year-round warm climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Americans can’t seem to get enough of this tropical paradise.

@aubreepaigetravels Let me help you navigate the Cancun airport! So many of my clients are nervous about arriving in Cancun, so let me make it easy! #cancunairport #cancunairport🌴✌🏽✈️ #cancunairporttips #cancunairporttransportation #cancunairporthelp #Airporttips Arriving into Cancun. Cancun airport help. Lomas Travel at Cancun Airport. Travel Tips Mexico. Mexico Travel Tips. #lomas #lomastransfer ♬ Rocky: Eye of the Tiger – Best Movie Soundtracks

Even though Cancun International Airport reported a record-shattering 30 million passengers in 2022, it’s very likely the seaside destination will surpass last year’s travel numbers again this year. 

Travel numbers are up by 43% compared to the same period last year, largely attributed to Cancun’s emphasis on improving safety and an ever-growing array of top-notch accommodations.

Soaring travel numbers come as no surprise, given the region’s natural beauty, exceptional friendliness, and welcoming spirit. 

Airplane on a runway with bridge attached

Nevertheless, let’s delve further into Cancun International Airport as a hustling and bustling travel hub, which connects millions of worldwide passengers every year.

Cancun International Airport has four terminals equipped with a range of modern comforts and amenities that make travel a breeze. 

Terminal 1 serves domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves both domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 only operates international flights – mostly to North America and Europe –  while Terminal 4, the newest addition to the airport, serves international flights and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to cut down on waiting time. 

Tourists Using the Kiosks at Cancun International Airport

The airport has modern security equipment, such as X-ray machines, metal detectors, and full-body scanners, to detect any prohibited items and ensure the safety of all passengers.

In addition, the airport has installed touchless technology for check-in and boarding processes to minimize physical contact and has increased cleaning and disinfection procedures throughout the airport. 

Much of Cancun’s growing popularity can be attributed to new high-tech immigration procedures implemented earlier this year.

Under a new simplified entry process, North American travelers can now enter the country just by scanning their passports and boarding cards instead of having an agent do it for them. 

Inside view of Cancun's airport with luggage

Still, travelers can expect at least some delays during busy travel periods, such as Easter or the peak of the summer holidays. While officials want to expedite migratory processes for travelers, safety remains a top concern for Cancun, and for the time being, travelers will still face rigorous safety checks. 

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties


↓ Join the community ↓

The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean

the-cancun-Sun-facebook-group

Subscribe to our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.


zaku

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

very good article and amazing explanation about the airport

Likmi

Monday 10th of April 2023

Getting very... expensive, ⛱️ beaches are gone in many places, sargassum everywhere. Time to look elsewhere. When things don't work in your hotel/apartment/resort they really don't care, you be gone in a few days anyway, hahaha. Some days it appears that the Mafia is running the show.