Mexico President defends Tulum airport as airlines suspend routes

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied claims that airline service suspensions at Tulum International Airport are due to insecurity or lack of profitability. Addressing the withdrawal of Aeroméxico, which ceased flights on September 30, Sheinbaum stated that the decision was not linked to safety concerns. She noted that international carriers including Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and United are expected to resume operations by October 24.

However, industry leaders have raised concerns regarding the airport's management. Sergio E. González Rubiera, president of the Mexican Association of Incoming Tourism Agencies (AMATUR), argued that the military-led administration lacks the commercial expertise required to manage a major tourism hub. He suggested that the institution's focus on security rather than receptive tourism has hindered the terminal's ability to connect with the global travel market.

While Aeroméxico cited market conditions and the need to maximize its route network for its suspension, Volaris has also announced it will end its routes to Tulum effective January 7, 2027. Despite these departures, the Ministry of Tourism reported significant growth in the Canadian market earlier this year, with passenger numbers increasing from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.