Flying to Tulum? Aeroméxico Is Gone and Volaris Will Leave in January

Two Mexican airlines are pulling out of Tulum Airport

Tulum's Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is going through a significant change in airline service.

Aeroméxico operated its final Tulum flights on September 30. The airline described the move as a temporary suspension, citing market conditions and adjustments intended to maximize its network. It has not announced a return date.

Now Volaris says it will also temporarily suspend operations to and from Tulum beginning January 7, 2027. The carrier cited lower load factors and rising operating costs.

For travelers, the important part is not the airline-industry debate. It is knowing whether your flight still exists.

If you already have a Volaris reservation

Volaris says itineraries scheduled through January 7 remain in place.

For affected travel after the suspension begins, the airline's policy includes options such as:

• reaccommodation
• an electronic voucher
• a refund

If your Tulum trip is scheduled around or after January 7, check the reservation directly with Volaris rather than relying on an old itinerary, confirmation screenshot or third-party booking page.

Aeroméxico has already stopped serving Tulum

Aeroméxico's Tulum suspension is already in effect.

Its last scheduled day of service was September 30. Aeroméxico called the change temporary, but no restart date has been announced.

That makes the Volaris announcement more important because this is no longer a change involving only one Mexican carrier.

Which Mexican airlines still fly to Tulum?

Following Aeroméxico's departure and once the Volaris suspension takes effect, scheduled domestic service is expected to remain with Viva Aerobus and Mexicana de Aviación.

That does not mean Tulum Airport is closing.

It also does not mean all international service is disappearing.

International flights are still part of the picture

This is where some of the more dramatic headlines about Tulum Airport can become misleading.

Mexico's Tourism Ministry announced a winter 2026–27 program that includes seasonal Tulum service from the United States and Canada.

The announced routes include:

• Montreal — Air Canada and Air Transat
• Toronto — Air Canada and WestJet
• Calgary — WestJet
• Quebec City — Air Transat
• Newark — United Airlines

Those services are scheduled to begin at different points from late October through December.

So the useful traveler takeaway is reduced and changing connectivity, not "the airport is shutting down."

Why are airlines reducing Tulum service?

Volaris said it reviewed the profitability of its network and identified Tulum among routes with lower load factors. Reporting on the carrier's explanation also cites higher airport-use charges, fuel costs and other operating expenses.

Tulum Airport traffic has also weakened compared with its earlier performance. Aviation reporting citing Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency says approximately 471,500 passengers used the airport during the first half of 2026, down 33.2% from the same period in 2025.

That helps explain the airline decisions, but it does not tell travelers what future demand or routes will look like.

Should you fly into Cancún instead?

Not automatically.

Tulum Airport can still make sense when:

• your flight operates nonstop
• the schedule fits
• your hotel or transportation provider serves TQO conveniently
• your trip is concentrated in Tulum or areas farther south

Cancún International Airport may make more sense when it offers:

• substantially more flight choices
• a better fare
• a more reliable schedule for your dates
• easier connections from your home airport

The best airport is the one that works for your actual flight and ground transportation, not simply the one geographically closest to your hotel.

What travelers should do now

If your trip involves Tulum Airport:

Check the operating airline and flight number again.

If you are booked with Aeroméxico, verify your replacement itinerary because its Tulum operation has already ended.

If you are booked with Volaris for travel near or after January 7, check the reservation directly with the airline.

And if you have not purchased yet, compare both Tulum (TQO) and Cancún (CUN) before committing.

Air service around Tulum is changing quickly enough that an itinerary you researched several months ago may no longer be the best option.

Sources and verification

Last reviewed: October 6, 2026

• Aeroméxico suspension reporting:

https://www.aviacionline.com/english/commercial-aviation/latin-america-and-caribbean/mexico/aeromexico-suspende-sus-vuelos-a-tulum_a6ababdb25660902efa535d17

• Volaris suspension reporting:

https://www.aviacionline.com/english/commercial-aviation/latin-america-and-caribbean/mexico/last-one-out--turn-off-the-lights--volaris-drops-tulum_a6abdb1f5488955bbb7a13286

• Mexico Tourism Ministry winter connectivity announcement:

https://www.gob.mx/sectur/es/articulos/tulum-fortalece-su-conectividad-internacional-con-cinco-rutas-hacia-estados-unidos-y-canada