Cancún, Q. Roo — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in sight, tourism officials in Quintana Roo are working to strengthen air connectivity between Europe and the airports of the Mexican Caribbean, aiming to position the state as a strategic entry point for fans attending the global sporting event.
Strengthening International Routes
The Cancún International Airport (CUN) currently operates direct flights to 128 international destinations across 28 countries, served by 50 airlines, making it Mexico’s most internationally connected airport and one of the most significant in Latin America.
Recently, a group of airlines interested in launching or expanding operations in Cancún visited the destination to assess the airport’s infrastructure. Andrés Martínez, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ), stated that the goal is to evaluate the feasibility of establishing new direct routes and increasing seat capacity from Europe.
“We are aware that Cancún’s airport will be Mexico’s primary gateway during this event,” Martínez said. “Many tourists will enter through this region, and we must capitalize on this opportunity in a structured way. We aim to enhance connectivity with key cities like Madrid, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Prague, and even Amsterdam. Discussions with several airlines are underway to make this possible.”
Alternative Collaborations and Confirmed Routes
Due to FIFA’s strict branding guidelines, authorities are exploring alternative collaboration methods, including the possibility of hosting an official Fan Fest in Quintana Roo to complement the tournament’s festive atmosphere.
“Our intention is clear: anyone entering the World Cup through this airport should be able to stay before or after the matches,” Martínez added.
Concrete progress includes the confirmation of a new direct route between London-Heathrow and Cancún, operated by Virgin Atlantic, set to launch later this year. Additional international connections are expected to be announced in the coming months, following negotiations at global tourism fairs and events.
World Cup Expectations
The official poster for the 2026 World Cup was recently unveiled in Mexico City, one of the host cities alongside venues in the U.S. and Canada. FIFA estimates approximately 5.5 million visitors will attend the tournament, presenting a major opportunity for Mexico’s tourism sector—particularly for destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
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