Cancun Sees 170 Fewer Flights During Easter Break Leading To Lower Occupancy

CANCUN, Quintana Roo – Cancun’s usually bustling Easter holiday season (Semana Santa) saw a noticeable dip this year, not in sunshine, but in airplane arrivals. According to local tourism officials, approximately 170 fewer flights landed at Cancún International Airport (CUN) during the recent Semana Santa period compared to expectations or the previous year. This reduction contributed to hotel occupancy rates that, while still strong, didn’t quite hit the high marks anticipated.

The news comes from Eduardo Domínguez, the executive vice president of the influential Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association. He noted that the reduction in air traffic had a direct impact on the number of visitors filling the region’s resorts and hotels during one of the peak travel times of the year.

Occupancy Rates Dip Below Expectations

While many destinations would celebrate the numbers Cancun achieved, the local hotel industry had set its sights slightly higher. Domínguez reported that the Easter vacation season concluded with average hotel occupancy around 85 percent in the popular zones of Cancún and Costa Mujeres. Nearby Puerto Morelos saw rates averaging about 83 percent.

“There were fewer arriving flights; about 170 fewer flights,” Domínguez stated in a brief interview. He explained that the sheer number of passengers plays a crucial role in filling rooms. Adding complexity, he noted, was an increase in hotel supply. “In Cancún, there were 2,000 more rooms available this year,” he said, meaning more beds needed filling even as fewer planes arrived.

Fewer Planes, Fewer Passengers

The figure of 170 fewer flights represents a significant reduction in potential visitors over the holiday break. While specific daily targets weren’t met (some reports indicated hopes for over 600 daily flight operations, while the actual average hovered closer to 485 during the period), the overall trend was confirmed by official airport data from operator ASUR, showing passenger traffic down 3.0% in March 2025 compared to March 2024.

Several factors might be contributing to the adjusted flight numbers. The recent opening of the new Tulum International Airport (TQO) south of Cancun was expected to potentially shift some traffic. However, recent industry reports suggest Tulum’s airport is facing its own challenges, with several major US airlines scaling back their initial service plans there due to various operational factors and demand adjustments. Therefore, while TQO might play a small role in the long term, it’s unlikely to be the primary reason for the significant 170-flight reduction seen specifically at CUN during Easter week.

Focus Turns to Key Travel Markets and Issues

Eduardo Domínguez stressed the importance of air connectivity for the region’s success, highlighting the need for flight frequencies to recover, particularly from the United States and South America.

Regarding the US market, while overall US travel to Mexico remained strong leading into 2025, specific flight reductions to Cancun during this period likely reflect broader airline capacity adjustments and network strategies rather than a confirmed sharp drop in overall demand for the destination.

However, the situation with South American travel, particularly from Colombia, appears more complex and is cited in multiple reports as a significant factor. There have been widespread and ongoing complaints from Colombian travelers about alleged mistreatment, lengthy secondary inspections, and high rates of inadmission by immigration authorities at Mexican airports, especially Cancun. These issues have reportedly led directly to airlines reducing or even canceling routes. For instance, reports surfaced earlier this year that Cancun had lost a significant number of its flights from Colombia, with airlines like Volaris suspending routes and others like Wingo reportedly reconsidering service due to these persistent immigration challenges. These problems seem to be impacting tourist flow from the region considerably.

What’s Next for Cancun Tourism?

Looking ahead, the hotel association anticipates occupancy rates to settle around a respectable 75 percent for the month of May. While Domínguez described these as potentially “good numbers,” he also acknowledged that individual hotels would be turning to their own promotional strategies to encourage bookings.

There’s a clear hope within the industry that the flight reductions seen over Easter won’t be repeated during the busy summer season. Addressing the concerns of South American travelers and ensuring smooth entry processes, alongside maintaining strong connections with the vital US market, will be crucial. The underlying message remains: Cancun’s appeal is strong, but consistent, reliable, and welcoming air access is the critical lifeline for its tourism engine.

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