Volaris and Aeroméxico are departing from Tulum, and analysts anticipate a move to Cancún
Concerns about security, elevated costs, and the recent increase in the exchange rate have led to Tulum’s diminished attractiveness as a tourist spot.
In the past weeks, carriers like Volaris and Aeroméxico declared they would cease operations to Tulum Airport from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) because of market circumstances.
Alejandra Vargas, an equity analyst at Grupo Financiero Ve por Más (Bx+), thinks these announcements won’t greatly affect the financial outcomes of the airlines. Considering the low number of passengers in relation to Cancún Airport.
According to a report from Fitch Ratings, Cancún serves as Latin America’s main international access point and is Mexico’s second-busiest airport.
Vargas stated, «I don’t view this as a significant effect on the airlines, as Tulum is a minor airport; Cancún is still the primary airport in this area.»
Tulum Airport has experienced a 33.6% decline in passenger numbers this year. Data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) indicates that 283,000 passengers were logged from January to August this year. In contrast to 426,000 during the equivalent period last year.
For Cancún International Airport, despite a 6.3% drop in growth, the total numbers remain significant: 9.2 million passengers traveled from January to August. Down from 9.9 million in the same timeframe last year.
The specialist notes that Tulum’s diminishing allure as a destination is partially related to reputation; elements like increasing insecurity, elevated service costs—including food and lodging—and the recent strengthening of the Mexican peso have rendered it less appealing to overseas tourists.
