Cozumel Airport Seeks to Strengthen National Flights, Eyes European Routes

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Cozumel International Airport has launched its summer season of national flights with routes from Monterrey and Mexico City, while maintaining connections to Canada and the United States, according to terminal manager Pablo Esteban Arjona Ortiz.

“Our main flow right now is visitors arriving from those destinations and the connectivity they generate,” Arjona said.

In April, the airport recorded an increase of 576 passengers compared to the same month last year, though May saw a deficit of 732 passengers. Despite this, routes have held steady, and officials expect flight occupancy to reach between 90% and 100% during the summer.

Arjona highlighted that aircraft capacity has grown significantly. Previously, planes arriving from Mexico had between 85 and 90 seats; now they operate with 122 seats, representing a 30% increase in domestic capacity.

The airport has boosted capacity on flights from Mexico by up to 30%. Arjona acknowledged that the suspension of the direct flight from Guadalajara remains an unresolved issue.

“We are working with airlines to recover that route, which is important both for locals and for tourist connectivity,” he said. The merger between Viva Aerobus and Volaris complicated negotiations, but efforts continue alongside municipal and state authorities and the hotel sector.

Regarding the possibility of direct flights from Europe, Arjona clarified that no formal request has been made yet, although discussions are ongoing. He assured that the airport has the basic infrastructure to accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 787, but investment is needed in specialized equipment, including additional stairs, pushback tractors, baggage ramps, sanitation systems, and commissary services — especially for flights lasting 9 to 10 hours, which require trained personnel and equipment.

The goal is to attract European visitors who would increase economic spending on the island. The airport is working with ground service companies and projects that by 2027 it will have the necessary additional equipment.