Cozumel Airport Expands for More Global Flights

Cozumel, MX — With an investment of more than 300 million pesos, expansion work began this week at the Cozumel International Airport, which is expected to receive more commercial flights, both domestic and international.

Just this week, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) approved the expansion for the construction of a new commercial platform, with the objective of anticipating the projected increase in air traffic.

At a press conference held this morning, Pablo Arjona, the airport administrator, specified that these works will allow for the reception of Category C aircraft, including models such as the McDonnell Douglas MD-81, Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321, in addition to the Boeing 737, which will strengthen the arrival of national and international passengers to the island.

He explained that the expansion includes two main stages: the commercial platform and the expansion of the terminal building. However, he explained that one of the main challenges is obtaining material banks on the island to ensure the continuity of the work.

He reported that the total investment projected for the next three years amounts to between 330 and 340 million pesos. To date, 115 million pesos have been spent, and the approved amount has been growing in accordance with the project's progress.

He specified that the construction of the new building would be completed in December 2026 and will include areas for rental car companies, customs, and the building for the Rescue and Fire Extinction Corps (CREI), which will be built on a 1.6-hectare plot.

Furthermore, he detailed that the terminal will have double height, wider corridors, and a renewed image for visitors. "With our antennas and all the adjustments, we will have a very good image for the people who visit us. And inside the terminals, it will be double height, more spacious; right now we have ended up a little small, the airport is very functional, but I do feel that it is a little small," he stated.

Currently, Cozumel receives between three and five daily flights, but it is anticipated that in the coming months the figure will increase to between six and 15 flights, with peaks of up to 17 on Saturdays. The high season will begin on November 15, and aircraft are expected to operate with occupancies between 85 and 98 percent, especially on domestic routes.

"Today we have an average of five flights, we expect that in the coming months it will increase to between six, nine, up to 12, 15, and 17 on Saturdays. The capacity of the flights, because it is low season, is at an average between 60 and 65%, it is low. What we estimate and hope for the coming months at the end of the year is that they go to 85 – 90 percent and some airlines, in the particular case of the national ones, we believe they will indeed come at 95 to 98%," he added.

The aircraft that operate regularly have capacities ranging from 90 to 230 passengers, depending on the model and configuration of each airline.

He indicated that the airport is already prepared to receive flights from Europe or other international markets, as the current runway can support up to 80 operations per day.

The connectivity that the Cozumel airport currently has to national destinations includes flights to Mexico City, Monterrey, Cancún, and AIFA. In addition to international ones such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Miami. And now with the new route to Calgary, Canada.

He assured that the administration will continue working with local authorities and the tourism sector to position Cozumel as a competitive destination with international-level airport infrastructure.