The ultra-low-cost Mexican airline Volaris has announced a new route connecting Cancun with a new destination in Texas that currently does not have flights to and from the Mexican Caribbean.
Connecting The Lone Star State
Starting July 3, Volaris is connecting deep south Texas with Cancun International Airport from McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE).
With a population of about 100,000, it’s a significant flight addition to McAllen, Texas and only the second international flight from the airport.
The other is a nonstop Aeromexico Connect flight to the new Mexico City airport.
Aeromexico started flights in February and only reported about 1,100 passengers during the month.
Most of the other flights from the small airport go to destinations in Texas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
It’s the only new route on the schedule to Cancun other than a Southwest Airlines flight to Orlando which will start on June 4.
Positive Sign to Come?
It’s a step in the right direction to see a new route to the United States from Volaris, as the airline was last reported as dealing with the Pratt & Whitney engine maintenance issue.
It was expected that the airline would not be able to start new routes until the maintenance review was complete and the engines were certified for travel.
The progress shows that, indeed, the airline is ready enough to move forward with additional flight routes to the United States despite the industry engine issues.
Strange Selection of McAllen?
However, the selection of McAllen as a new route to Cancun in a challenging time seems a little strange.
McAllen is an isolated border town in Texas that is far south of San Antonio.
Thoughts are that the airline will try to capitalize on getting more tourists from the Mexican side of the border to Cancun.
On the other side of the border, about 40 minutes south of McAllen, is the city of Reynosa in the state of Tamaulipas. That city has a population expected to be closer to one million residents.
Additionally, about an hour from McAllen is the city of Matamoros in the state of Tamaulipas. That city is part of a metro area with an estimated population of about 1.3 million people.
It definitely appears that there is more draw on the Mexican side of the McAllen border for this new Volaris route to the beach resort vacation destination of Cancun.
What This Means for Travelers
The new flight service to Cancun International Airport from Volaris is definitely a step in the right direction for additional routes connecting the beach resort travel destination.
It demonstrates that Volaris appears to be significantly moving past the Pratt & Whitney engine maintenance issue and looking to establish new airline routes to provide additional service to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
The airline also recently announced a new domestic flight to the Mexican Caribbean connecting Guadalajara International Airport with Tulum International Airport.
Travelers hoping for new nonstop flights to their local airport will want to keep an eye out for more announcements.
State of Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ) are proactively working behind the scenes to negotiate for additional flights to the Mexican Caribbean, including flights directly to Cancun International Airport.
Reports are Aeromexico is focusing on creating more airline connections in Mexico with cities in the United States such as Tampa Bay, Raleigh-Durham, Washington DC and Salt Lake City. If any of those routes will connect with Cancun is not known at this time.
What cities in the United States do you think need nonstop flights to Cancun? Be sure to post your comments in the section below.
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Firstlast
Sunday 14th of April 2024
I have often wondered why no direct flights, Cancun/Las Vegas by any airline.
Tony Timmons
Tuesday 16th of April 2024
Hello,
There was a JetBlue flight at one time. But the last time I looked it was seasonal. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) can definitely use more international service period!
Thanks for commenting!
Tony