Cancun International Airport, one of the busiest gateways to the Mexican Caribbean, has reported a sustained decline in passenger traffic, raising questions about the factors behind this downturn.
In December 2024, the airport recorded a 7.2% drop in passenger numbers compared to the same month in 2023, including a 6.3% decrease in international travelers. For the entire year, the airport handled 20.175 million passengers, marking a 3.5% decline from the previous year’s total.
The ongoing slump has sparked concerns, especially as competing Caribbean destinations posted strong year-end performances. Several potential causes have been suggested, ranging from the impact of summer storms to competition from the new Tulum Airport.
Other theories include rising concerns over safety, reduced promotional efforts by Mexico’s tourism boards, and a possible cooling of demand for the Mexican Caribbean.
How many tourists had Tulum Airport in 2024?
Tulum International Airport, which began operations in 2024, reported serving approximately 1.2 million passengers during its inaugural year. Strategically located to cater to the booming Riviera Maya region, the airport’s proximity to popular tourist destinations like Tulum and Playa del Carmen has made it an attractive alternative for travelers who previously relied on Cancun International Airport.
As the tourism industry enters 2025, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Cancun can reverse this trend and reclaim its position as a dominant travel hub in the region.