U.S. airlines cut 1 million seats to Mexico, hurting Cancún tourism

A consulting study by OAG shows U.S. airlines will offer about one million fewer seats to Mexico this summer compared with the 2025 season. Cancún is the most affected Mexican destination, losing more than 570,000 seats – roughly 2,700 seats per day.

The cuts stem mainly from aircraft shortages and the bankruptcy of Spirit Airlines, prompting carriers such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and JetBlue to reduce capacity. The biggest reductions are from Texas (about 300,000 seats, a 7% drop), California (about 300,000 seats, a 10% drop) and Florida (168,000 seats, a 15% drop). While Mexico City saw a modest 8.7% increase in seats, the overall loss threatens U.S. visitor numbers to the Quintana Roo region, putting pressure on hotels, travel agencies and other tourism‑related businesses.

Industry analysts say the reduced connectivity could lower hotel occupancy and service revenues in key resorts such as Cancún, Cozumel and Tulum during the peak summer travel period.