Quintana Roo tourism faces decline amid airline departures and sargassum

The tourism sector in Quintana Roo, particularly in Tulum and Cancún, is facing a significant downturn characterized by declining passenger numbers and reduced airline connectivity. Reports indicate that the Tulum International Airport saw a passenger drop of over 30 percent between January and July 2026 compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to several factors, including the massive influx of sargassum seaweed, rising service costs, and decreased air connectivity.

Several major airlines have announced departures or reductions in service to Tulum, including Aeroméxico, Volaris, JetBlue, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Discover Airlines, and American Airlines. In response to these shifts, Mexicana de Aviación has announced plans to increase its presence by adding 24 additional flights to Tulum for the winter season, aiming to capitalize on growing demand and expand its fleet.

Regional economic leaders have noted a loss of approximately 1.6 million international passengers in the first half of 2026. While some operators suggest the downturn is part of a seasonal low, others point to increased ticket prices and environmental challenges as primary drivers of the loss in competitiveness.