Aeroméxico suspends Tulum flights September 2026

Aeroméxico suspends all flights to Tulum International Airport on September 30, 2026. The airline confirmed the suspension, stating it is due to market conditions and a need to optimize its route network.

Aeroméxico told El Financiero: "El 30 de septiembre será el último día con servicio en este destino. Se suspende por condiciones de mercado y para maximizar nuestra red." The airline described the move as a temporary suspension. Its October flight schedule for the Felipe Carrillo Puerto terminal shows no operations, leaving no scheduled flights connecting Mexico City to Tulum. Passengers with tickets for travel after September 30 can use Aeroméxico's flexibility policy for reaccommodation, electronic vouchers, or refunds.

Demand decline and market challenges

Passenger numbers at Tulum have plummeted. State data shows air passenger volume fell from 107,751 in January 2026 to 47,353 in June. Demand was lower than expected in a market that competes directly with nearby Cancún.

The tourism industry has suffered. In August, Quintana Roo Tourism Minister Bernardo Cueto Riestra reported Tulum's hotel occupancy rate fell to an average of 15%, the lowest in the destination's history. A huge influx of seaweed on beaches has been a contributing factor. The region's real estate market has also slowed, with diminishing capital gains discouraging commercial and development investments.

Other carriers have already withdrawn or redirected capacity. Avianca and Copa Airlines have permanently suspended services to Tulum. Discover Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines redirected their capacity to Cancún. Since the military took over management of the tourist area, visitor numbers have fallen more rapidly.

Network restructuring and alternative options

Aeroméxico's suspension eliminates frequencies connecting Tulum to the Mexico City Metropolitan Zone from both AICM and AIFA airports. The airline, one of the first operators to serve Tulum, used Boeing 737 and Embraer 190 aircraft on the route.

After its departure, regular national connectivity at Felipe Carrillo Puerto will be handled by just three carriers: Mexicana de Aviación, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris. On certain days in October, the official schedule reflects as few as two total scheduled flights, operated by Viva Aerobus and Mexicana.

Aeroméxico frames the Tulum adjustment as part of a national network reorganization to concentrate capacity where the market justifies it. The airline continues to operate in other Mexican beach destinations including Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, Acapulco, La Paz, and Cozumel.

Airport performance and future connectivity

Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport opened for commercial operations under military management on December 15, 2023. It aimed to reduce reliance on Cancún airport, which is 115 kilometers away, and rapidly reached 1 million passengers. However, in the first half of 2026, the terminal moved approximately 471,500 passengers, a 33% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

Factors behind the reduction include the end of usual subsidies for new airports or routes. The elimination of these subsidies led to the cancellation of several flights over the last year. A decline in foreign visitors to the Tulum archaeological zone was also reported between June and July 2026. Access to key destinations like the archaeological zone now costs 209 pesos (US $12), more than double the previous cost of 104 pesos ($6).

Future international connectivity appears limited and seasonal. The airport is expected to offer seasonal flights to five destinations in Canada and the United States during the 2026-2027 winter season. Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet and United Airlines will together operate seven connecting services, totaling up to 10 weekly flights. United plans to operate a biweekly direct flight between Newark and Tulum from December 17, 2026, to January 24, 2027. Most airlines will operate just one flight per week, resulting in minimal use of the facility. Almost no flights from the U.S. are expected in the coming months. Aeroméxico has not provided a target date for resuming service to Tulum.

For affected travelers, Aeroméxico's published flexibility policy, titled 'Tulum TQO offer adjustment', allows reaccommodation on other flights, an electronic voucher, or a refund.