Tulum Airport Guide

The long-anticipated Tulum International Airport became a reality when it began receiving domestic flights on December 1, 2023. The first international flight arrived on March 28, 2024, from Dallas/Fort Worth on American Airlines. Construction of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) began in 2022, and this newest international airport in Mexico is classified as a Category 4 ECO airport.

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo was previously home to 3 airports that welcomed flights from around the world, including Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM), and Chetumal International Airport (CTM). The Tulum International Airport is now the 4th.

The Tulum Airport is a state-of-the-art international airport designed to receive nearly 5.5 million passengers on up to 32,000 flights annually. The terminals of Tulum Airport provide a total of 13 gates for both domestic and international commercial flights. In its first full year of operation (2024), the airport served 1.24 million passengers, exceeding initial projections but operating well below full capacity.

Important Note for 2025: The airport has experienced significant airline route reductions in 2025, with major carriers cutting approximately 27-30% of capacity compared to late 2024. Multiple airlines have cancelled routes due to lower-than-expected demand, competition from Cancun, and operational challenges. Travelers should carefully verify current flight availability before planning trips.

With Tulum Airport being relatively new, airline service continues to evolve. Here’s the current status of carriers serving the airport:

Delta Air Lines currently offers direct flights from Atlanta (ATL) only. Previously announced service from Detroit (DTW) and Minneapolis (MSP) has been discontinued.

United Airlines operates year-round service from Houston (IAH) and Newark (EWR), though Newark service is suspended seasonally from May through October. Service from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) has been cancelled.

American Airlines operates numerous daily direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA). The Charlotte (CLT) route was discontinued in February 2025.

JetBlue offers seasonal direct flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Air Canada provides Canadian passengers with direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL). Previously announced seasonal service from Quebec City (YQB) and Ottawa (YOW) has not resumed.

WestJet offers limited seasonal service from Toronto (YYZ) and Calgary (YYC).

Air Transat launched seasonal winter service from Montreal (YUL) and Quebec City (YQB) in December 2024.

Copa Airlines previously offered service from Panama City but discontinued all Tulum flights in July 2025, redirecting service to Cancun.

Avianca operates service from Bogotá, Colombia (BOG).

Spirit Airlines originally planned to launch service but cancelled all Tulum routes before operations began, citing fleet constraints.

Southwest Airlines does not currently serve Tulum, despite occasional rumors.

Mexican domestic airlines

Popular Mexican airlines continue to serve Tulum with regular domestic flights:

Aeromexico and VivaAerobus operate regular flights for several domestic routes throughout Mexico, connecting to Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and other major cities. VivaAerobus is currently the largest operator by weekly departures.

Volaris and the recently revived Mexicana de Aviación also provide domestic service.

The new Tulum International Airport has been built in the Municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) inland and south of the center of Tulum. New roads have been added through the jungle to connect the airport to Carretera 307, the main highway that runs up and down the coast from Cancun to Belize.

The new access roads allow travelers to get from the airport to Tulum’s pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and the vibrant town center. However, the anticipated bypass road around Tulum Center has not been completed, meaning drive times through town can still be lengthy during peak traffic hours.

Previously, the Cancun Airport was the closest airport for travelers whose destinations were anywhere along the Riviera Maya, including Tulum. From Cancun Airport, it typically takes around 1.5 – 3 hours to get to Tulum by car, depending on traffic delays and road construction. The Tulum Airport is now the closest international airport for those traveling to Tulum (around 30-45 minutes by car, depending on destination) and anywhere south of Puerto Aventuras.

The convenience of Tulum Airport is its proximity to some of the Yucatan’s most popular attractions and destinations:

Tulum Town: Tulum Pueblo, or Centro, is approximately a 30-35 minute drive from the airport.

Tulum Hotel Zone: Those looking to enjoy the resorts and beaches of Tulum will find an approximately 45-minute drive from the airport to Tulum’s hotel zone and world-famous beaches.

Tulum Mayan Ruins: The famous Tulum Mayan Ruins are 35-40 minutes from the new Tulum Airport. These ancient Mayan structures overlook the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea and provide the perfect blend of history and scenic beauty.

Akumal: The fun beach town of Akumal is home to sea turtle snorkeling and laid back vibes. Akumal is about 45-50 minutes north of the Tulum Airport.

Puerto Aventuras: The luxury marina village of Puerto Aventuras is a little over an hour north of the Tulum Airport.

Bacalar: The quaint Mexican town of Bacalar is famous for its otherworldly freshwater lake known as Laguna Bacalar or “La Laguna de Los Siete Colores” (The Lagoon of 7 Colors). Bacalar is around 2.5 to 3 hours south of the Tulum Airport.

Cancun: Cancun itself is around 2.5 hours north of the Tulum International Airport.

As a new airport, Tulum International Airport continues to develop its amenities. The terminal provides services that domestic and international travelers have come to expect, though some planned features are still being implemented.

Rental car companies: On-site car rental services include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, MEX Rent-A-Car, and several other providers with counters in the terminal.

WiFi: Free WiFi is available at the Tulum Airport for 1 hour by connecting with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. WiFi kiosks are also available throughout the terminal for internet access. However, travelers should note that WiFi connectivity can be spotty and unreliable. Consider having a backup option such as mobile data.

Restaurants and dining: The Tulum Airport offers various food and drink options throughout the terminal. Current dining options include several well-known chains and local establishments:

• Starbucks
• Carl’s Jr.
• Burger King
• Subway
• Domino’s Pizza
• Popeyes
• Le Pain Quotidien
• Pacífico Bar (partnership with Grupo Modelo)
• El Fogancito (taco chain)
• Farine Coffee and Bakery

Options range from quick snacks to fuller meals, with both local Mexican specialties and international cuisines available.

Playgrounds for kids: To help families traveling with children, there are two children’s playgrounds located post-security on both ends of the terminal. These playgrounds feature padded rubber flooring, slides, and playground equipment.

Other amenities

Parking: Surface-level covered parking is available. Contact the airport at (+52) 984-123-3020 or (+52) 984-123-3018 for current rates and requirements. Documentation typically required includes car insurance, official ID, and vehicle registration.

Shopping: The terminal features a Tulum Duty Free shop offering tobacco, perfume, liquor, and cosmetics, plus multiple retail shops selling handbags, artwork, clothing, souvenirs, and t-shirts. Several pharmacies and convenience stores are also available.

ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs (including BBVA brand machines) and currency exchange services are available in the terminal, located near the baggage claim area. However, travelers should note that ATMs are frequently reported as out of service. When operational, they charge relatively high fees (approximately 176 MXN for foreign cards). It’s recommended to obtain pesos before arriving at the airport or use ATMs in town rather than relying on airport machines.

Additional Services: The airport includes immigration offices, two breastfeeding rooms, a non-denominational chapel, medical service centers, power bank charging stations, and other standard airport facilities.

Smoking Areas: Smoking is prohibited inside the airport terminal. Designated smoking areas are available outside the building. Violations may result in fines.

Airport Lounge: An airport lounge was planned but has not opened as of October 2025.