Things aren’t looking so bright for the shiny new Tulum International Airport. Just as the buzz around its opening last year starts to fade, the airport has been hit with more unwelcome news. Following earlier reductions in service from other major carriers, two more Latin American airlines, Avianca and Copa, have now decided to completely stop flying to Tulum.
This latest blow raises serious questions about the airport’s future and the continued appeal of Tulum as a top tourist spot.
Why Are Airlines Pulling Out?
The main concern seems to stem from issues with tourists from certain South American countries, particularly Colombia and Brazil, being turned away by Mexican immigration authorities upon arrival. Mario Cruz Rodríguez, president of the Tulum Tourism Promotion Council, has voiced his worries about this situation.
He explained that travel agencies are increasingly concerned because their clients from Colombia and Brazil, even those with confirmed hotel bookings and clear travel plans, are sometimes being sent back home when they arrive in Mexico City or Tulum.
Avianca had already announced in April that it would be suspending its direct route between Bogotá and Tulum starting July 3, with July 1 being its last flight. This route had only started operating in December 2024, offering a new connection to the Mexican Caribbean. Now, with Copa also ceasing all flights to Tulum, the situation appears to be worsening.
Plea for Fair Treatment of Tourists
Cruz Rodríguez is urging Mexican immigration officials to adopt a more flexible and coordinated approach when dealing with tourists from South American countries. While acknowledging the importance of national security, he stressed the need for fair treatment of visitors.
“If a tourist can prove they have accommodations during their stay, we must consider them coming for vacation and not an illegal stay,” Cruz Rodríguez stated. He also pointed out that these incidents could damage Mexico’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international travelers.
“This is an issue that could hinder the promotion of our country as a reliable tourist destination,” he concluded.
Earlier Signs of Trouble
This latest news adds to existing concerns about the Tulum airport, which were highlighted in a report by The Cancun Sun just two weeks ago. That report detailed how several major airlines, including American Airlines and Air Canada, had already reduced or canceled their services to Tulum.
The reasons cited in the previous report included rising costs in Tulum, growing safety concerns, and issues related to over-tourism and unsustainable development. These factors seem to be contributing to a potential shift away from Tulum as the preferred destination for some travelers and airlines.
The earlier report also shed light on the increasing costs within Tulum itself, which may be contributing to lower demand. Tourists have increasingly complained about not only the rising prices of hotels but also the shockingly high taxi fares. These taxi prices are reportedly among the highest globally, with even a short trip costing a minimum of $25 USD.
Adding to the transportation woes, ride-sharing services like Uber are prohibited in the region due to the strong influence of local taxi unions. This lack of alternative, more affordable transportation options could be deterring some budget-conscious travelers.
The decrease in scheduled flight capacity for Tulum, projected to be around 23% in December 2025 compared to the previous year, paints a concerning picture for the airport and the local tourism industry.
For Tulum to remain a competitive destination, it seems crucial for authorities to address these challenges, including the issues at immigration, and work towards a more sustainable and welcoming environment for all tourists.
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