Puerto Aventuras Airstrip to Replace Playa del Carmen’s Downtown Airstrip
The long-neglected Puerto Aventuras airstrip is finally poised for development, offering a safe and modern solution to the growing risks posed by Playa del Carmen’s centrally located airfield. According to José Alberto Alonso Ovando, director of the Quintana Roo Strategic Projects Agency (Agepro), the new airstrip is expected to be operational by 2025, marking a significant step forward in addressing safety concerns and meeting the demands of high-net-worth tourists and private aviation.
Playa del Carmen’s current airfield, located in the heart of the city, has become increasingly problematic as urban development has encroached on its surroundings. The location now poses serious safety risks to local residents, prompting Agepro to prioritize the closure of this airstrip. Ovando explained, “Urban growth has made the existing airfield a safety concern. With the Puerto Aventuras airstrip, we want to resolve this risk situation and provide a safe and functional alternative.”
The Puerto Aventuras airstrip, located in the municipality of Solidaridad, offers a geographically strategic solution for private aviation in the Riviera Maya. By moving operations to Puerto Aventuras, the region can also relieve pressure on Cancun International Airport, which frequently handles a significant volume of private aircraft alongside its commercial operations.
A Gradual but Strategic Project
The Puerto Aventuras airstrip will be developed gradually, as its completion involves significant investment and infrastructure work. While the runway itself had already been constructed, the site lacks essential passenger facilities, security infrastructure, and taxiways to connect aircraft to operational areas. These critical components are now being addressed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
“This is a co-investment project approved by the Agepro board. The funding comes entirely from private initiatives, which will allow us to activate this airfield without using public resources,” Ovando stated. The airstrip will offer services to private entities and feature an additional business operation directly on-site, creating a sustainable model for its long-term use.
A Boost for Private Aviation
The new airstrip is designed to meet the needs of high-net-worth tourists who travel to the Riviera Maya by private aircraft. The addition of proper facilities will ensure a safe and seamless experience for private plane owners. “We want to encourage people who have their own planes to have a safe place to land and keep their aircraft. This airstrip will also have the necessary equipment to meet their needs,” Ovando added.
While the initial focus will be on establishing the basics, such as passenger terminals and taxiways, the project will gradually expand to include enhanced facilities that will transform the airstrip into a viable business.
Closing Playa del Carmen’s Airfield
The completion of the Puerto Aventuras airstrip will allow for the decommissioning of Playa del Carmen’s downtown airfield, a long-overdue decision given the safety concerns posed by its location. Ovando emphasized that the closure will occur in the coming months once the new airstrip is operational.
“Activating the Puerto Aventuras airstrip addresses both safety concerns and the need for a central aviation hub in the Riviera Maya,” Ovando explained. The move will ensure that the region can accommodate private aviation demands while prioritizing the safety of Playa del Carmen’s residents.
The Puerto Aventuras airstrip represents a significant investment in the future of the Riviera Maya, aligning with the region’s growing status as a global tourism hotspot. By providing a safe and modern facility for private aviation, the project will not only enhance the experience for high-net-worth travelers but also create new business opportunities and reduce congestion at Cancun International Airport.
As the Riviera Maya continues to expand, the Puerto Aventuras airstrip will serve as a crucial infrastructure development, ensuring the region remains a premier destination for luxury tourism while addressing pressing safety concerns. The transition from Playa del Carmen to Puerto Aventuras marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aviation services in Quintana Roo.
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