Airline service disruptions at Tulum International Airport

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has addressed the suspension of airline services at Tulum International Airport, attributing flight cancellations to rising global jet fuel costs linked to Middle East conflicts. She noted that subsidizing jet fuel is a “more complex” task than subsidizing other fuels. As of late September 2026, Aeroméxico had suspended flights, and Volaris announced it would cease operations at the terminal on January 7, 2027.

President Sheinbaum has denied suggestions that these service withdrawals are due to insecurity or lack of profitability, stating that Aeroméxico’s decision was not linked to safety concerns. She indicated that several international carriers, including Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, and United, are expected to resume operations by late October.

Despite government assurances, tourism industry leaders have criticized 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 necessary for a major tourism hub, suggesting a focus on security over tourism has hindered global market connectivity.