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Spirit To Delay Launching Of New Nonstop Flights To Tulum Airport

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Spirit Airlines has postponed two of its new nonstop routes to Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo International Airport until further notice.

The low-cost carrier was due to launch nonstop services from Orlando and Fort Lauderdale to the Mexican Caribbean’s newest airport this March.

outdoor view of the new tulum international airport

The announcement comes as Tulum’s new airport continues to welcome more national and international flights amid skyrocketing travel demand.

Spirit Airlines has had to significantly decrease the number of flights due to technical issues affecting its fleet of Airbus a321neo aircraft, many of which are currently grounded.

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As Tulum continues to surge in popularity with travelers, here’s a look at the latest issues affecting the launch of Spirit’s new nonstop routes to the booming destination.

Thousands Of Travelers Affected By Spirit Route Delay

Tulum’s brand-new Felipe Carrillo International Airport is one of the most exciting developments for the sun-soaked area, which has attracted growing attention from travelers thanks to its rich history and vibrant culture. 

This week, thousands of travelers were delivered upsetting news when Spirit Airlines announced a huge delay in launching two nonstop routes to Tulum.

The airline – one of the largest in the United States – issued a press release informing travelers that its Orlando and Fort Lauderdale to Tulum routes will be postponed indefinitely amid technical issues affecting the airline’s fleet. 

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Despite ambitious plans to continue expanding its network of direct flights to and from the Mexican Caribbean, travelers will have to wait sometime before being able to hop on board a flight to the sunny destination. 

The news, which was published recently, has caused significant frustration among travelers looking forward to the new nonstop services.

As a result, Spirit has begun reaching out to affected travelers, offering refunds and other forms of compensation.

@kiabethcastillorealstate *Tulum AirportConstruction Progress* #Tulum| Tulum International Airport 5.5 Million passengers will be able to admire the Materials of our beautiful region but Above all, the local workforce It will have the capacity to serve 5 million passengers a year. It will become the second largest airport on the peninsula, in addition to offering a high range of airport services. 📸 Government of Mexico 🇲🇽 Source: Mary Hernández Municipal President of the municipality of Carrillo Puerto ******** #Avance de Construcción del Aeropuerto de Tulum #Tulum| Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Tendrá una capacidad para atender a 5 millones de pasajeros al año. Se convertirá en el segundo aeropuerto más grande de la península, además de ofrecer una alta gama de servicios aeroportuarios. 5.5 Millones de pasajeros van a poder admirar los Materiales de nuestra hermosa región pero Sobretodo La mano de obra local 📸 Gobierno de México Fuente: Mary Hernández Presidenta Municipal del municipio de Carillo puerto #tuluminternationalairport✈️ #tulum #tuluminvestment #Tulumrealestate#rivieramayarealestate#inversionesentulum#bienesraicesmexico #mexicorealestate #latininvestors #latininvestorsassociation ♬ sonido original – KiabethCastilloRealEstate

Spirit has not released any official timeline for when it plans to officially launch the new routes, leaving thousands of passengers waiting until further notice.

According to media reports, the indefinite postponement of the new routes has to do with mechanical issues affecting a large number of Spirit aircraft.

The mechanical faults are affecting the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines on the airline’s fleet of new Airbus a321neo aircraft. Spirit has reached out to affected passengers, offering a sincere apology for its operational obstacles.

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In the meantime, travelers wishing to reach Tulum can still fly to the destination on other U.S  carriers, including with American Airlines and United, which are set to begin operating a handful of new nonstop routes in March and April. 

Spirit Airlines has grappled with technical issues affecting its fleet since August 2023, which has resulted in significant disruptions across its network of domestic and international flights. 

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Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo International Airport opened to the public on December 1, with Viva Aerobus being the first domestic carrier to land at the airport. International routes to the sophisticated airport are due to begin operations in March 2024. 

Felipe Carrillo International Airport is the second of two massive infrastructure upgrades for Tulum, the first being the Maya Train.

Combined, the projects represent billions of dollars in investments, providing the coastal hotspot with a massive boost in international connectivity. 

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Tulum’s new airport is able to handle up to five million passengers annually.

At a time of skyrocketing interest in Mayan culture & history, the coastal destination is the perfect place to spend a relaxing getaway. 

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