Travelers love exploring Mexico’s Caribbean coast, but something surprising is happening at one of its newest airports. Almost two years after its grand opening, US airlines are scaling back service to Tulum International Airport. While Tulum is famous for its white-sand beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-luxury lifestyle, the airport hasn’t yet lived up to expectations.
If you’ve been wondering why airlines are cutting back on flights, or what this means for your future travel plans, this article breaks it all down in a simple, human-friendly way.
The Reality Behind Tulum International Airport’s Struggles
When Tulum International Airport opened its doors on December 1, 2023, excitement was high. Tourists and airlines alike imagined an easier gateway to the beaches and bohemian charm of Tulum.
At first, airlines such as American, Delta, JetBlue, and United eagerly added flights. But fast-forward nearly two years, and reality looks very different. Travelers are still choosing Cancun International Airport, located just up the coast, as their main entry point.
Why? Cancún offers more flight options, better connections, and a long history of being a trusted hub for international tourism.
US Airlines Scaling Back Service to Tulum International Airport
Data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, reveals that the pullback is significant. For December 2024, US airlines had capacity for about 41,503 seats to Tulum. By December 2025, that number is expected to drop to just 29,511 seats.
Among all major carriers, only United Airlines is expected to operate more than 10,000 seats into Tulum, with flights from both Houston and Newark. Others are cutting down heavily. Some airlines, like Spirit, canceled service altogether before it even began.
Why Are Airlines Reducing Flights to Tulum?
The decision isn’t just about Tulum itself, it’s about economics and demand. Airlines constantly adjust their schedules to balance costs with passenger demand. As aviation expert Mike Arnot explained, carriers “guess the demand, put flights up for sale, review the results, and then add or reduce capacity.”
Tulum simply hasn’t attracted enough consistent flyers to keep airlines confident. Many travelers still prefer Cancún, which offers easier access, larger facilities, and plenty of established transportation options.
What This Means for Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, you may find fewer direct flights from the US than expected. Instead, many visitors will still need to fly into Cancún and make the 90-minute drive south.
That said, Tulum International Airport isn’t going away. It may take time for demand to grow, and if traveler habits shift, airlines could always add more flights back in the future.
Could Tulum’s Airport Rebound?
Absolutely. Tourism trends change all the time. Tulum is still a hotspot for yoga retreats, eco-tourism, and luxury travel. As infrastructure improves, and as word spreads, airlines could see renewed interest. For now, though, the numbers show that US airlines are scaling back service to Tulum International Airport significantly.
FAQs
- Why are US airlines scaling back flights to Tulum International Airport?
Airlines are cutting flights because demand has been weaker than expected. Many travelers continue to use Cancún International Airport as their preferred entry point. - Which airlines are still flying to Tulum?
American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United still serve the airport, but with reduced capacity. United remains the largest US carrier into Tulum. - Is it still worth flying into Tulum’s airport?
Yes, if you find a convenient flight. However, options may be limited compared to Cancún, which remains the dominant hub in the region. - Could Tulum’s airport become popular again?
Yes. Tourism demand often shifts, and Tulum remains a world-famous destination. The airport could see growth in the future if demand rises. - How far is Tulum from Cancún International Airport?
By car, the drive takes about 90 minutes, making Cancún a practical alternative for most travelers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Flight schedules and airline decisions may change over time. Travelers should always check with airlines directly before booking trips.
